Dixon-Warren Dismisses MP�s Spy Talk
Onalenna Kelebeile | Monday November 13, 2017 16:56
He alleged in a statement passed to this publication that the provisional liquidator, Nigel Dixon-Warren intimidates workers and it appears he sends spies to the MP’s Kgotla meetings. “Some union leaders and employees are facing disciplinary charges for comments made at a Kgotla meeting that I addressed at Selebi-Phikwe Primary School during my constituency tour,” he said.
Keorapetse said the liquidator must get the message clear that the country’s democracy is anchored on free speech at public gatherings. He said it is at such platforms that views are freely exchanged unfettered, amongst others, labour issues. “The intimidation is unfair and uncalled for,” he said. He further claimed that the liquidator has delayed signing of a collective labour agreement with Botswana Mine Workers Union (BMWU) on care and maintenance works and it is difficult to protect these workers against unfair labour practices, including occupational health and safety matters.
“It has been hard for unions to engage with the liquidator on trade disputes as a result,” he said. He claimed that if the liquidator had signed the labour agreement with the union, reports of unfair labour practices would not come to the fore.
Keorapetse also accused the liquidator of operating the plant without the 6.1 appointee in terms of the Mines, Quarries, Machinery and Works Act. He said failure to have such an appointee is in violation of the law. When contacted for comment, Dixon-Warren said there was only one employee who was on suspension because of the remarks he made in one of the Kgotla meetings where he, amongst others, incited the care and maintenance team to stop working.
He said that alone puts a serious risk to safety at BCL. “All employees have an obligation for confidentiality and to avoid inciting violence at all costs and is in violation of the employment contract. Besides the suspended employee has never complained of anything to the employer before,” he said. He added that he is not involved in the disciplinary processes hence he is awaiting the outcome of the disciplinary hearing by the human resource department after which he would make a recommendation. He added that the findings would determine actions to be taken. He dismissed reports of sending spies to the MP’s Kgotla meetings as unfounded.
“Why would I send spies to an open Kgotla meeting? I would appreciate evidence and facts to back up those allegations,” he said.