Gov't, unions to finalise salary negotiations this week

The negotiations have been dragging on for some time, characterised by several adjournments as the parties failed to reach common ground on different issues, such as the two percent intra-notch differentials proposal. At some point, government reached an agreement with the Botswana Land Board, Local Authorities, and Health Workers Union (BLLAHWU), after the latter broke ranks with other trade unions, citing unreasonable demands by the union party for its decision. That decision resulted in a court case, as other unions interdicted the government from implementing that agreement.

The negotiations were adjourned yet again last week after the employer party allegedly realised that the proposed P256 million for allowances adjustments for the financial year 2025–2026 will not last for the whole financial year as expected.