BFTU top brass attend labour meet in China

Ryder Gabathuse | Monday May 19, 2014 15:41

BFTU secretary general, Gadzani Mhotsha told The Monitor recently that the ACFTUC started last Tuesday and ends on May 22. The leadership conference is held under the theme: “Labour Relations and the Role of Trade Unions in Multi-National Corporations”.

The BFTU delegation consists of  Bob Malele, treasurer Vetina Mothibedi, Rex Kebonang and Goitseone Sebego. Malele is BMWU general secretary while Kebonang serves Botswana Railway Workers Union (BRWU) in the same capacity. Sebego from Botswana Housing Corporation Workers Union (BHCWU) chairs BFTU Women’s Council.

Almost on an annual basis, ACFTUC comes up with a topic of labour interest and invites trade unions they work with to come and share experiences. Mhotsha described the event as a big labour stage where critical issues are debated.

He said it is good for BFTU to be close to the Chinese because they have a powerful economy that can benefit the union. He said China has a heavy presence in Africa through the companies that have set up base in various parts of the continent.

“Trade unions from each African country report on their relations with Chinese multi-national corporations at their respective countries,” said Mhotsha. He noted that China is one of the countries well known for its poor labour relations.

“In most cases, there are difficulties dealing with the companies run from as far away as China. So, at a conference like this one, we share experiences with our counterparts from elsewhere in Africa as trade unionists and we are able to duly come up with solutions to many challenges,” he explained.

He said that in Botswana, BFTU is facing many challenges with Chinese companies on labour issues.

“Since we have Chinese companies operating in Botswana, we want to come up with strategies of ensuring that we can work well with these Chinese multi-nationals operating within our shores,” he said.  He was hopeful that the BFTU delegation in China will benchmark and find means of establishing partnerships to assist them appreciate how Chinese do their things. He stated that the BFTU delegation is attending the Chinese conference for the third time.