BTU propose a merger with BOSETU

Innocent Selatlhwa | Friday December 11, 2015 16:36

Briefing the media yesterday, BTU secretary general Ibo Kenosi said they were worried with the state of affairs which leaves some teachers with a P0.00 balance because of dual membership to the unions.

“Some of our members are also members of BOSETU, besides them subscribing twice, some of them tend to borrow from micro lenders through both unions because we cannot cross check, and we end up overburdening the teachers,” he said.

He further stated that besides strengthening the voice of the teachers, the unity would strengthen the financial muscle of the teachers enabling them to achieve more and be able to go the legal route whenever they need to.

Kenosi said they have in the past successfully cooperated on teacher issues, and therefore there is no need to continue as separate entities. Kenosi said the executive of BTU resolved in its meeting early this month to hold talks with BOSETU on the matter. He however said it would then be for the congress to make the final decision.

Education International is expected to meet with the two unions on Sunday to further encourage them to merge. According to Kenosi, the organisation had earlier persuaded the two unions to unite together with Trainers and Allied Workers Union (TAWU).

BOSETU secretary general Tobokani Rari confirmed the communication.

“Yes we have received the proposal, It is a welcome move from BTU, but we cannot jump to it, we have to engage about it until we ultimately become one,” he said. Rari said it would not be a difficult task since they have been bargaining together on teachers issues.

Rari however stated that as the National Executive Committee they could not decide on the matter and would await a mandate from the congress. Even though the next BOSETU congress is in 2017, they planned a special congress, where the issue will be deliberated.