Workers must be Protected

Mmegi Editor | Friday February 6, 2015 14:54

This mine, owned by Discovery Metals Limited, started operating just over two years ago and had brought hope to the Ngamiland District. The district is among the impoverished areas and has suffered from prolonged droughts and Foot and Mouth Disease that killed cattle. Developments are very limited in this area and it is survival of the fittest for the inhabitants.

The explanation given by Discovery Metals is that copper prices have fallen badly, labour costs are high, and this is affecting their business.

Also in the news is the shutting down of Serowe Teemane Manufacturing Company, which has operated in the country for approximately 20 years. The company cited low diamond prices as their main reason for shutting down leaving 300 people with no jobs. Obviously, there are employees who worked for the company since its doors opened two decades ago, and they witnessed its growth to this day.

A major issue here is the welfare of employees when unfortunate situations like these occur. The employment laws in Botswana are not very firm on the welfare of employees since they only prescribe a one month salary payment for those affected by retrenchments, or shutting down of companies.

It is time for our legislators to correct this anomaly and put measures in place to protect the workers who are the engines in wealth creation in the country. It is a source of concern when a company shuts down after only two years of operation. What about the workers who left their secure jobs under false impressions that their new employer was solid?

Government should put in place laws that compel employers to insure their employees against job losses or shutdowns so that when circumstances such as these arise, the effects could be cushioned.

When 400 people lose jobs, it is not only them and their dependents who are affected. There are many implications because loans will not be repaid, skills are either left unutilised or exported to other countries and that reflects badly on the competitiveness of our country.

We urge the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs to review employment laws as a matter of urgency to curb possible exploitation of workers. Companies should have a fund from which they can compensate their employees when they shutdown. The compensation should be able to sustain the affected person for at least one year.