Issues around presidency of BLLHWU

| Monday November 29, 2010 00:00

The local government workers union goes to its annual conference in Mochudi this week in the background of a furious debate about the relative strength of public sector organisations which were previously denied the right to organise and form trade unions, as against the others contemptuously referred to as 'small unions'.

There is also the debate about the role of business in the life of the trade unions.  That walks side by side with the role of employees in the management of the financial investments of the organisation, and how their offices impact on the mandate of the workers organisations.

The unions, having taken on a much larger visibility after winning the right of government based employees to unionise, have now to reckon, much more squarely, with the upsurge of open flirtation with political parties, the civil service based organisations being most pliable in courting the ruling party and the political appointees in the government bureaucracy.

The trade union movement, now much more than ever before, questions itself about its obligations to its membership as opposed to lucrative offers of the ruling establishment in both government and the private sector.

These issues, and many others, form the backdrop against which the race for leadership of the union of local government employees who achieved public visibility about ten years ago, going on strike to force government to honour a High Court decision which affirmed their argument for realignment of pay structures at local government to meet the growing responsibilities of 'council' employees in comparison to their 'central government' counterparts.

Government, for all practical purposes, ignored the High court judgment, nevertheless establishing the then Botswana Unified Local Government Service Association as a workers organisation of repute, both I the eyes of government and its membership.

The Association had long been at work, seeking to establish itself as a union.  At several congresses, it made the steps towards adapting to the portending accession of government to the International Labour Organisations conventions that seek freedom of all workers to organise and form trade unions, including government employees.

BULGSA appeared to have prepared itself for its transformation to the Botswana Land Boards and Local Authorities Health Workers Union.

The Outgoing president, Pelotshweu Baeng leaves to occupy the position of executive of the BLLAHWU group of companies leaving Goretetse Cutt Kekgonegile and outgoing vice president, Kagiso Moreetsi, to contest the presidency of the organisation.

Moreetsi, though unavailable on cell numbers 73517501 and 73362858, is perceived as a disciple of Baeng, seeking both a 'leftist' articulation of worker politics, perhaps even espousing socialistic sentiments, whilst also seeking the establishment of a thoroughgoing business enterprise at the trade union organisation.

Should she be elected, she would be the first female president of the association and the union.

Kekgonegile recognises the importance of the creation of capital for the union because 'subscriptions on their own are not enough' to finance the work of the union.

He stresses 'approach' emphasising the separation of the business enterprises of the organisation as against the main agenda of the union which he perceives as 'protecting the welfare of the membership of the union'.

He believes he has the profile to carry out that mission having served as chairperson of the Palapye branch of BULGSA. Ascending to the vice presidency of the organisation from 2004 to 2006 and then serving as chairperson of the Makgobokgobo or North West District  Council Sports Club, a structure under the BLLAHWU sports association.

Reminded about the public profile BULGSA, Kekgonegile points to the faltering image of the union, also suggesting that there is growing disinterest among the potential membership in the work of the organisation.

'BULGSA held its congresses in various parts of the country and kept in touch with the general populace. 

Everywhere where we held a congress, we also did a community project, some of which activities are missing from the activities of the organisation'.

The union needs a research unit, he says. 'And one of the challenges that we face in the promotion of debate in the organisation is a regular publication, perhaps quarterly, where it will be possible to highlight the particular mission of BULGSA whilst also seeking solidarity with sister organisations in the larger trade union movement'.

Kekgonegile also believes that the transition from an association to a union has not been completed.  'Though we have achieved union status, we still behave very much like the association that we used to be.'It is important that we should emphasise the role of the shop steward in the organisation.  They are the backbone of the union because they look after the membership of the membership at the local branch level.

'We must also emphasise membership centred governance so that decision making is not left in the hands of a handful of people,' says Kekgonegile.

'We also have to get government to take us seriously. 

Some vital functions of local government are being taken away in health care, primary school education, water rods and others.  We have not heard much in a formal way but we get some of this information through the grapevine'.

Should this happen, it will greatly undermine the relationship between local government institutions and the grassroots community of citizens. So, we must be careful about how these reforms are made, if at all they are necessary'.

Kekgonegile is adamant that the primary cause of divisions in the labour movement results from power mongering and individualism in the leadership of the trade union organisations. 'It is us workers who are responsible for dividing ourselves.  It is not so much the politicians as it is the leaders of the trade union movement.

'The general membership of the trade unions is not play a role in these conflicts. The trouble is that the members do not make the leaders account.  The members must understand that the everyday business of the union is their business'.