Local government ministry blocks trade unions
Thursday, August 24, 2023 | 220 Views |
President Winston Radikolo delivering presidential address
Reporting this worrying trend to the Minister of Education Dr Douglas Letsholathebe at the annual BOSETU conference that through their district offices, the local government has issued a directive to primary schools requesting unions to pay for the use of classrooms or staff rooms when staging cell membership meetings.
BOSETU feels that it and government of Botswana have duly ratified the ILO Convection 87 which is one of the fundamental conventions. The union is adamant that it has long passed the stage of fighting for the use of school facilities.
When claims of such gravity are made, especially by a sitting Assistant Minister they cannot be brushed aside, delayed, or treated as routine political noise. Even the Ombudsman has confirmed receipt of a report from a political party and a review of these complaints is now underway. That is a necessary first step. But it is only the beginning. The seriousness of the allegations demands urgency, transparency and clarity. The public is entitled to...