BOFEPUSU threatens Cresta

EPHRAIM KEORENG
Staff Writer | Friday November 26, 2010 00:00

 

'If they fail to resolve the dispute with the Botswana Hotel Travel and Tourism Union (BHTTU) by then, we will then tell our members who contribute a significant number of the Cresta Management clientele; both as private individuals and in an official capacity, to boycott their facilities. We told the management that it is either they sit down with the union and resolve the dispute or brace themselves for a decline in their income,' BOFEPUSU official Pelotshweu Baeng told Mmegi yesterday.

The union has engaged in a weeklong strike after it reached a deadlock with the company over a 13 percent pay rise.

When asked why BOFEPUSU was joining the fray, Baeng said they are in solidarity with the union.

He also said they have realised that the lucrative hotel and tourism industry is largely dominated by foreigners. 'We have told the union that the industry is an area of wealth creation and that workers should have a stake in it.

As workers in the quest to increase workers' voice, we should buy shares in hotels so that we can ultimately become part of the decision-making structures and articulate workers' rights. At the end we should even consider having hotels wholly owned by workers, rather than to always be protesting against anti-workers' rights by these kind of employers,' he said.

Baeng said the time has come for workers to be at the centre stage of economics politics, because at the moment the labour movement is at the periphery.

'We are just spectators,' he said.

The unionist said ownership of business will not only transfer power to workers but also [power] to the majority of Batswana.

BHTTU executive officer Nicholas Motiki said they are grateful for the support they receive from the labour movement especially the federation (BOFEPUSU).

He said today they will be presenting a petition to Environment, Wildlife and Tourism Minister, Kitso Mokaila to 'let him know of our situation. Largely in the petition, we are complaining about management's decision to hire casual labourers whilst we are on strike, something, which goes against our agreement with the company.

On November 18, 2010, we agreed on the rules to be observed during industrial action and it was agreed that there should be no replacement of labour during the industrial action. ...Management disregarded this by employing casuals...' reads the BHTTU petition in part. Meanwhile Cresta Management spokesperson, Segomotso Banda said in a press release yesterday that the union rejected the discussion of wage increment in totality.

'The management offered to discuss key welfare issues like Medical Aid and Pension Fund increment, in line with the overall wage increment.

The union rejected arbitration, which could have had a constructive outcome in putting the management offer in perspective. The management made a resolution to abide by any outcome of the arbitration. Arbitration, which has been rejected by the union was viewed by management as the best option for both the management and the union to avoid expensive, disruptive and protracted litigation,' she said.

Banda added that the preferred option of industrial action and rejection of arbitration by the union drove the parties further apart, weakening the solid relationship enjoyed by both parties over the past four years.

'The union failed to understand and put in perspective the effects of the adverse general economic and business conditions locally, regionally, and internationally, including the current deep recession in major tourist markets and the global economic contraction in 2009. Other factors include: industry competition, inflation, currency and interest rate fluctuations, legislative and regulatory developments, compliance with environmental laws and regulations.

The offer on the table takes the above into consideration. While the global financial crisis and recession is beginning to truly bite in the real economy of Botswana and the region, Cresta, through strategic instruments and prudent management averted much anticipated retrenchments when the global crisis seriously affected the hospitality industry. Despite the twin pressures of a reduction in travelling and rising fixed costs, Cresta emerged stronger and more resilient to protect its employees and stakeholders in a sustainable manner,' she said.

The management official faults the BHTTU of also failing to take a broader and longer-term view of workers' interests.

'It is noteworthy that Cresta Marakanelo Limited employees over the time enjoy favourable terms and conditions of service that should not be taken for granted such as bonus, funeral cover, meals, medical aid, medical expenses, pension, long service awards, low interest soft loans, life cover, social sports welfare, staff transport and well coordinated training.

The management of Cresta Marakanelo Limited will leave the doors open for constructive negotiations so that an amicable solution to the current standoff can be achieved,' she said.

Banda also called upon the company employees to return to work immediately so that we can continue to make Cresta Marakanelo a stable workplace.

'Only when Cresta is sustainable, will it take care of its employees and shareholders,' she said.