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BOFEPUSU lobbies MPs

BOFEPUSU is lobbying individual MPs to vote against the amendments, as anything to the contrary would see to the depletion of labour rights. 

“We have regrettably learnt that the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs has tabled amendments to Trade Dispute Act that will consequently make the entire civil service essential service contrary to International Labour Organisation (ILO).

These amendments if they pass, will defeat freedom association and the Right to Organise, the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining,” wrote the BOFEPUSU secretary general Tobokani Rari to individual legislators.

Rari’s letter states that the minister of Education and Skills Development Unity Dow has also tabled amendments of the Botswana Examination Act, which is intended to force teachers to perform duties of invigilation, course work, marking, all of which are the duties of the Botswana Examination Council.

“The Botswana courts of laws have pronounced on this issue. Our view is that it cannot be that teachers could be made through a legislative provision that is unlawful which would force employees of DPSM [Directorate of Public Service Management] to carry out the duties of another persona.”

He adds: “We put it to you that such amendments are unlawful and if you concur with such amendments especially of the BEC Act, which coerces teachers to carry out the duties of a different statutory body, you will be participating in a process that borders on illegality. We put it to you as well that in case this Bill [BEC] passes and becomes law, we will  litigate”.