'Unite to boost your bargaining power'

CHAKALISA DUBE
Staff Writer | Thursday August 2, 2012 00:00

At a panel discussion organised by the Botswana Sectors of Educators Union (BOSETU) at Andasonia Hotel on Tuesday evening, speakers representing various political organisations said teachers' unions should instead train their guns on the employer.

The panel discussion was held under the theme, Social Dialogue: A remedy to Challenges in the Education Sector. Botswana People's Party (BPP) vice-president Kumbulani William acknowledged that teachers have made strides in their fight for improved conditions, but warned that divisions among teachers unions have the potential to derail such progress.

'You have to engage with each other as unions and unite. If you do not pull in one direction then overcoming all your problems remains an unrealistic dream because you will be divided on certain ideologies when you face your employer,' he said.

The BPP leader also emphasised the need for teachers to sensitise parents, students and members of the public about the critical role of their profession as well as lobby for their support in their quest for improved welfare.

He however noted that it was disheartening that teachers' unions in the country were viewed as enemies of the government and not teachers' representatives.

This situation, he said, was a hindrance to the union's quest to engage in social dialogue with their employer, the government.

Botswana Movement for Democracy's (BMD) councillor Raoboy Mpuang also emphasised the need for teachers to sensitise parents, students and members of the public about the crucial role of their profession.

'This will help them gain an insight into your problems because at the moment they are in the dark, hence they cannot fully rally behind you when you dialogue with government,' he said.

Botswana Congress Party (BCP) Secretary for International Relations Morgan Moseki stated that social dialogue is the key to combating challenges facing the education sector.

'You have issues of inadequate remuneration, accommodation and other conditions of service in general. These challenges can be best resolved with the involvement of both the employer and the employee,' he said. Moseki however faulted the government for not thoroughly consulting teachers on policies and reforms that affect them (teachers). For this reason he said teachers should relentlessly advocate for an open line of communication with their employer.

Earlier on BOSETU president Shandukani Hlabano stated that there was urgent need for teachers unions and the government to engage in a social dialogue.

'For this to happen, we should not regard each other as inferior,' he stated.

The union boss further said that there is need for other teachers unions to unite and confront their employer with a single voice. Other panellists included Elmon Tafa of the Botswana National Front (BNF) and Botswana Public Employees Union's (BOPEU) Topius Marenga.