Ditshwanelo calls for urgent talks over strike

We have noted with concern, the decision taken by five (5) public service unions for public sector employees to engage in strike action since 18 April 2011, their subsequent decision to extend the strike indefinitely and the impact which the ongoing industrial action is having on the people of Botswana. This strike came about as a result of the demand for a 16 percent salary increase by public servants employees' trade unions and a conditional counter offer of 5 percent by the Government.

Ditshwanelo notes the arguments of both sides, premised on the existing economic climate which, according to the Government renders the state unable to bear the financial impact of a 16 percent salary increase. At the same time, the economic climate leaves civil servants to bear the impact of the increased cost of living.