Return to negotiations - BALA

| Friday May 27, 2011 00:00

Whereas we agree with the principle of delivering services to the people as fundamental to the existence of government, we kindly request government to resume negotiations, given the Setswana saying that 'Ntwa kgolo ke ya molomo.'

The protracted battle of negotiations between the unions and the employer should come to an end as this has now affected the public, paralyzed service delivery by councils and denied many their basic human rights.

BALA requests government to bring the issues back to the negotiating table and likewise requests the workers to resume duty.

We humbly request the employees to accept the fact that an improved quality of life of Batswana is in their hands and that we recognise the importance of them being remunerated accordingly for them continue providing good quality services. 

The ongoing public officers' strike has had far-reaching effects than one would have expected. At this juncture, we thought the issue would have been water under the bridge but unfortunately this seems not to be the case.

It is unfortunate to note that what started as a peaceful strike has now escalated into riots, intimidation and destruction of property. This situation cannot be condoned.