In a concerted effort to safeguard the labor rights of their members, the Trainers and Allied Workers Union (TAWU), the Botswana Government Workers Union (BOGOWU), and the Botswana Doctors’ Union (BDU) have launched two initiatives aimed at addressing current challenges faced by trade unions in Botswana.
The first initiative, unveiled last Friday at Travel Lodge in Gaborone, is the Free Trade Union Movement (FRETUM). Speaking at the launch, TAWU President Cde Allan Keitseng emphasized that FRETUM is not a federation but a collaborative platform. “It aims to unite unions that prioritize autonomy, enabling coordinated efforts to hold the government accountable amid emerging economic issues,” stated Keitseng. The platform also seeks to refocus union activities away from commercial interests towards public education on critical topics such as automation and privatization.
BOGOWU’s Secretary General, Cde Kaboda Phillip, framed the formation of FRETUM within the context of Botswana’s future trade union landscape, warning of potential oppression and manipulation by the government. “We foresee a bleak future for unions unless we unite to liberate ourselves,” Phillip asserted, highlighting FRETUM as a pivotal step towards ensuring union autonomy and resilience in the face of growing challenges.
In parallel, the unions launched the Campaign Against Union Bashing, Discrimination and Disenfranchisement the following day at Bontleng Shopping Mall. This campaign protests Emergency Bill No. 34 of 2024, which amended the Public Service Act to limit membership in the Public Service Bargaining Council to unions with numerical majority. This amendment effectively excludes TAWU, BOGOWU, and BDU from participating in critical collective bargaining processes.
Addressing a vibrant Saturday morning crowd at Bontleng, union leaders reiterated that the amended legislation undermines not only the rights of their members but also the broader principles of fair representation in the workforce. “This discriminatory bill disenfranchises thousands of workers who lack numerical majority,” remarked BOGOWU’s Wilson Siako, underscoring the campaign’s broader impact on labor rights across Botswana.
The unions have vowed to intensify efforts to reverse these legislative changes and restore a non-discriminatory statutory framework that respects the rights of all trade unions. As they continue to mobilize public support and advocate for legislative reform, the initiatives mark a critical juncture in Botswana’s labor movement, emphasizing unity and resilience in the face of legislative challenges.
