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Government should respect union leaders

We learn with shock that government tried to stop the President of Botswana Land Board Workers and Local Authorities Union (BLLAWU), Pelotshweu Baeng, from officiating at a Botswana Congress Party Youth League congress in Francistown over the weekend.

Apparently, his principals at Local Government felt that Baeng's participation at a political party event might offend the standing orders. This is downright flimsy and ridiculous to say the least. Government officials should be able to differentiate between the role played by union leaders even if they are civil servants. If union leaders cannot be invited by registered political parties, then who will take them seriously? Unions have lately taken a giant step of uniting, and government above all else should demonstrate the maturity to recognise and encourage unions to play their role effectively without any hindrance.

With regards to this matter we sincerely hope that ministry officials will rein-in the overzealous and petty officials who tried to gag Baeng. Unions should also be alert and demand for transparent talks with government to ensure that this kind of treatment is never repeated.

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Editor's Comment
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