Botswana�s writers need a union

The thought is that collectively more can be done than can be accomplished by one individual. Despite the fact that the condition of all workers in all sectors is deteriorating, unions are, unfortunately, losing their power when they are most needed. Profit-driven organisations care more about upping their shareholders dividends and the exorbitant salaries of their CEOs than the conditions of their workers.

The situation for writers is even worse. Most of us work as freelancers fighting our battles on a case-by-case basis which is demoralising. To compound the situation there are many writers out there who write for free, to “gain exposure”, and people who view writing as a hobby and will accept deplorable conditions.