Gov't, unions to finalise salary negotiations this week
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Wednesday September 17, 2025 06:30
The negotiations have been dragging on for some time, characterised by several adjournments as the parties failed to reach common ground on different issues, such as the two percent intra-notch differentials proposal. At some point, government reached an agreement with the Botswana Land Board, Local Authorities, and Health Workers Union (BLLAHWU), after the latter broke ranks with other trade unions, citing unreasonable demands by the union party for its decision. That decision resulted in a court case, as other unions interdicted the government from implementing that agreement.
The negotiations were adjourned yet again last week after the employer party allegedly realised that the proposed P256 million for allowances adjustments for the financial year 2025–2026 will not last for the whole financial year as expected.
It is said that the budget simulations had reflected that the proposed budget would only last for seven months, meaning extra funds are needed to cover the rest of the year. The discovery forced the employer to request an adjournment to seek further mandate from their bosses.
After last week's adjournment, the negotiations began yesterday (Monday), with allegations that both parties are ready to find common ground and wrap up the negotiations.
Sources close to the developments say that both parties want the negotiations, which are scheduled for Monday and Wednesday, to conclude this week.
'The negotiations resumed today (Monday). Interestingly, we are told that the employer party acknowledged the blunder it made in the budget and expressed gratitude to the union party for pointing it out. We are hopeful that the two parties will find common ground and conclude the negotiations this week. It's been dragging for a long time,' said a source, who could not be named.
It is said that the employer has indicated that it has managed to source funds to cover the remaining seven months.
'The employer party has declared that it has secured P163 million to top up the P256 million and cover the rest of the financial year. But on the other hand, the union party has allegedly made a counter-proposal for the adjustment, so hopefully the two parties will agree on something,' the source further said.
The union’s proposed simulation across salary scales is as follows: All A scales be adjusted by P652.20, B scale by P500, P450 for all C scales, and P400 for D scale. On the other hand, the government has proposed an adjustment of P652 for A2-A3 scales and P400 for A1-D1 scales.