BOPEU gets nod to oppose Statistics Botswana
Friday, December 08, 2023 | 860 Views |
Justice Walia
BOPEU had before Justice Kebonang successfully challenged SB over salary disparities. The roots of the dispute lie in the migration of employees from the Central Statistics Office to Statistics Botswana in 2009, following the establishment of the latter as a body corporate.
This migration led to the development of a new operational structure, including a pay structure. However, grievances arose regarding the fairness of the grading system, leading to the appointment of a Salary Grievances Task Force. According to documents from Justice Kebonang’s court, on March 13, 2015, the parties entered into a collective labour agreement with respect to SB employees at band STB B and 5-9. The category excludes those in management positions.
More than P8.1 million has already been spent, yet there appears to be no lasting solution in sight. This is not simply a dispute between the DIS and a group of officers. It is a matter of public accountability. Every pula spent by government comes from taxpayers who expect public funds to be used wisely and responsibly, especially during economic hardships faced by many.The officers exercised their constitutional right to seek justice through...