In the last few years, we have seen a new phase in the relationship between government and unions. Our government has never been a friend to the unions or even to the idea of unionism, as the history of the labour movement in this country shows. It has been a struggle for government to get to accept the vital role that unions play in the economy and in the social development of our country. However, the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is an ideologically open organisation and every new leadership that is in control of the party has often defined how it wanted labour relations to be addressed. Under Festus Mogae for example, there were a number of legislative reforms towards unionisation. Under Sir Ketumile Masire, unions were seen largely as organisations strictly dedicated to the welfare of workers.
The era of more liberalisation in the way of better recognition for the right to union representation is a recent phenomenon. In a way, most union members and labour activists were hoping a new era of government and union relations was upon us. However, in the last few years, which coincided with the presidency of Ian Khama, we have seen a government not only hostile to unions but also specifically vindictive in its dealings with the labour movement.
