Labour Day a moment to introspect

Mmegi Editor | Thursday April 30, 2015 15:56

Here at home, as with years before, trade unions have organised various events around the country to encourage the working forces to gather and move to the same beat on May 1. Now instead of the going through the annual rituals, Labour Day should be used as an opportunity to celebrate the role the working class plays in the economy, while also addressing the socio-economic issues that bedevil the workers and the labour movement.

The history of Labour Day celebrations is sobering. More than 120 years ago at Haymarket in Chicago, USA, several workers lost their lives following a labour crusade to implement eight-hour workdays. Labour Day, as such, was a direct result of workers’ revolution against oppression, unfair labour practices and conditions.

What is Labour Day in Botswana?  Well, it means little or nothing to most of the workers. For many people, including in Botswana, Labour Day means a day off. The significance of this day has waned over the years. Few people are showing interest in celebrating this day. The history of this day is less appreciated. In the United States where Labour Day celebrations originated, fewer than 10% of the workers are members of trade unions.

Perhaps the lack of appetite for trade unionism should be attributed to leaders of these movements. These leaders have used trade unionism to enrich themselves and to stir up support for their political organisations. Infightings have also rocked the trade union movements.

Here in Botswana glaring divisions exist. The leaders spend  more time in the courts of law over petty issues, than they do mobilising workers on the ground. Major trade union federations are failing to find common ground and work together. Botswana Federation of Trade Unions and Botswana Federation of Public Sector Unions are sworn enemies.  

The celebrations have been ritualised hence it’s difficult to attract workers to these celebrations. Nothing has changed since the establishment of the labour movement in Botswana decades ago. Every year during the celebrations, these leaders march without purpose, wave flags and banners, rant and rave, and later return to their little comfort zones to continue with their misguided personal battles.

There is no doubt that the labour movement is divided. But the main question is what should be done? New leaders of trade unions should be allowed to emerge and inject new blood into the trade union movement. Workers need leaders they can trust will represent them.

The leadership must rise above petty issues. It is true that unity in the trade union movement is key. The fragmentation of the labour movement in the country is not helping the labour movement in its fight against the government, and business elite.

Today’s thought

“Democracy must be something more

than two wolves and a sheep voting on

what to have for dinner.”

 

- James Bovard