DTCB workers have last laugh

Oarabile Mosikare | Wednesday July 2, 2014 06:59

 

The order came after the Botswana Diamond Workers’ Union (BDWU) representing 26 workers took the company to court seeking an order that the 17 percent salary increment referred to in the parties agreement of October 24, 2008 was applicable to all persons represented in the lawsuit. 

Represented by local lawyer, Tshiamo Rantao, the BDWU also wanted the diamond polishing firm to implement the wage increase in respect of the persons referred to in the lawsuit.  The union also wanted DTCB to pay costs of the application.

According to Justice David Newman’s judgment, in terms of a Joint Brief prepared by the applicant and respondent on October 24, 2008, the respondent’s staff were formally notified that the 2008/2009 salaries negotiations in respect of the bargaining unit had been concluded.  The Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) of 17 percent across the board and 10 percent shift allowance formed part of the final agreement. This was effective from April 1, 2008. In his judgment, Newman said the applicants have satisfied the court that on the probabilities, the agreement should be interpreted in the manner they have contended. He ruled that the respondent should pay the costs of the application.  Advocate De Waal together with Dineo Makati-Mpho appeared for the DTCB.