BOFEPUSU finally gets recognition
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday October 6, 2015 18:00
“Now Botswana has two recognised federations, which include us and the Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU). We will be allowed to sit in the international labour conference, sectoral high level consultative council meetings and other engagements which require the input of workers and employers,” Rari explained. He said BOFEPUSU has now broadened its scope since it has affiliates from the private sector.
“Our obligation is to protect the welfare of workers. Some unions from the private sector have affiliated with us. Therefore the word “P” would change to ‘Private’ as we go on. The name BOFEPUSU would not change. Our mandate now will be to go around different companies to organise members to form unions,” he said.
He said the reason why some private companies are paying their employees low wages is because they do not have unions and it is difficult for them to bargain for their rights.
“At times journalists forget that they are also workers. You need to fight for your rights through negotiating with your employers. Our aim is to restore human dignity among all workers. We cannot have a situation where people die poor when they are working. This is really sad,” Rari said.
BOFEPUSU deputy secretary general, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, said they will also start the Industrial Council after most workers, including shop assistants and others have formed unions.
“It would be easy for us to convince consumers to boycott certain shops if they are not treating their employees fairly. Already some employees from certain shops have come together to register a union,” Motshegwa said.
On other issues, BOFEPUSU leaders said there is need for a new national salary structure because employees are not well paid in the country.
“It’s time the government implements a new salary review and it should include private sector. We are intending to lobby this because employees are paid low salaries,” Johnson Motshwarakgole said.
He said working conditions and salaries for journalists are also bad.