BOPEU �spits its own medicine�
Innocent Selatlhwa | Friday March 18, 2016 14:36
These were the words of the Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU) president, Andrew Motsamai, at a press conference yesterday.
The union is in a jubilant mood after they were successful in their bid to disqualify BOFEPUSU from bargaining as a unit calling for representation of all recognised public sector unions.
Motsamai told the media that BOFEPUSU sidelined other unions including Botswana Government Workers Union (BOGOWU) and Trainers and Allied Workers Union (TAWU) from bargaining in an attempt to lure them to join BOFEPUSU but in vain.
Motsamai said it is important to note that from the onset they do not view this as a win for BOPEU.
“We consider this rather as a great win for all the recognised trade unions.
This will provide an opportunity to rebuild and reconstitute the PSBC in a way that it will be all embracing and usher an opportunity for a wider representation of the working class,” he said. Motsamai said they look forward to the mediation process as they believe in unity of the trade union movement hence their slogan ‘Tshwaragano’ and it is the guiding principle that will be in their minds when going for mediation as instructed by the court.
Motsamai further appealed to the membership and the larger public service to bear with the process, which he said they hope will culminate in what will bring greater benefit to the employees.
Meanwhile BOFEPUSU has indicated that they will appeal the court ruling.