BULGASA and BOTASA in merger negotiations

WANETSHA MOSINYI
Correspondent | Wednesday July 11, 2007 00:00

In a joint statement BLAWU union and BOTASA stated that they met recently in Mochudi to discuss the proposed merger. 'We purposely met to commence talks that would calumniate in merging the two associations so as to built a coherent and vanguard union.  This is the brainchild of the two precipitated by the substantive and compelling fact that we belong to the same industry.

The idea is further nourished and motivated by the indisputable fact that numerical strength is a pre-requisite for a strong union,' the statement said.

The local government workers' organisation changed its name from BULGASA to BLAWU recently after it was registered as a trade union. The joint BLAWU-BOTASA statement said that both organisations have negotiated and formulated comprehensive terms of reference to assist them to come up with a good product.

'We wish to further state that fragmentation of labour movements lead to poor presentation, which subsequently leaves workers in the lurch. 

It is a given that the employer would then have an opportunity to flagrantly oppress the workers, who are creators of wealth, with the impunity of the highest degree.'

The two organisations stated that the move to merge is necessitated by the principle of the working class solidarity. BLAWU publicity secretary Ishmael Williams said the negotiations went well and he is optimistic that the outcome will be a fully-fledged merger.

He said the merger might result in a name change or an adoption of a new name, depending on the outcome of the negotiations. BLAWU is currently undergoing a transformation after being granted union status early this year.