In a statement released yesterday, the unions said that reports of corruption involving senior officials suggest that money is being wasted and lost through corruption, mismanagement and unethical conduct of some in the leadership. Revealing their support for the ongoing industrial strike by the public service employees the UB unions said they reject "government's lackadaisical attitude and do not accept the reasons given for its refusal to accede to civil servants' reasonable demands."
President of UBASSSU, Dr Never Tshabang said in a statement that civil servants are faced with salary and incentive problems, proposed increments, which are not up to the mark, wrongful discharge or dismissal of employees and erosion of concessions or privileges. He stated that UB unions also reject government's intimidation "frolics," that striking workers would be dismissed. "Civil servants have gained rights in the workplace, as contained in Botswana's labour laws. Such rights include the right to unionise and the right to strike for collective bargaining. The right to strike is a human right recognised and protected by international law. It is vital in worker's ability, through trade unions, to defend workers' rights," he said adding that "we stand in solidarity with our comrades in the public service, under the auspices of BOFEPUSU, and are exploring options of ways to express our sympathy with the civil servants who will be on strike the next 10 days."
