As the unionisation drive unfolds, we would like to advise these organisations to come up with creative and user-friendly names. In this era of branding, a user-friendly name or better still, the acronym, can mean either success or death for the organisation. Such a name can effectively be used as a mobilisation tool for potential members and general name recognition by the public. We urge the new unions to avoid tongue-twisting names. We recall the non-starter classical name of yesteryear in the form of the National Amalgamated Local and Central Government something - something. We doubt that even the members could memorise it!
We would like to commend BOPEU for having successfully gone through the processes of unionisation in the footpath of its predecessors such as the recently unionised BTU, BOSETU and TAWU. We also take note of BOPEU's caution to its membership that its newly acquired status should not be interpreted as a call to arms against their employer. They maintain that the negotiated settlement will continue to be their preferred platform. We agree with this policy, as we sincerely believe confrontation platform should be used as the last resort in any labour dispute.
Wildcat strikes are of no benefit to either the worker or the employer. Even the economy as a whole is ultimately the loser. As such for the good of everybody and everything, all parties must realise they are partners in development. We, therefore, call upon the employer - in the case of BOPEU - the government - to also adjust their mindset and accept that listening to the new union would be in the best interest of everyone. Government should not interpret the stated sober policy of the new union as a sign of weakness.
As for BULGSA, which is about to unionise, we would encourage them to join the umbrella body such as the Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU). This is in synch with the long tested dictum of "United we stand and divided we fall". A strong and united entity is bound to have an effective voice, than a hopelessly fragmented labour movement, which is in existence now.
Today's Thought
