17 Feb 2025

Workers’ rights contain a large collection of human rights; from the right to decent work, freedom of association to equal opportunity and protection against discrimination, Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Major General, Pius Mokgware says.

Speaking at Botswana Federation of Trade Union (BFTU) elective congress in Palapye recently, he said definitive rights related to the workplace included health and safety in the workplace and the right to privacy at work, among many others.

He said bringing together workers and employers was critical as social dialogue had the advantage of representing a large part of society.

“Social partners are therefore considered key actors when it comes to reforming and modernising societies and economies, and our doors are open for all as the new government as we nurture our nation,” he said.

The minister said workers must speak up about hazards without fear of retaliation, adding that they had the right to receive workplace safety and health training in a language they understood, advising that employers must keep their workplace free of known health and safety hazards.

Minister Mokgware said employers were responsible for ensuring a safe working environment through regular risk assessments, protective measures and health-conscious policies.

He said the International Labour Organization (ILO) defined decent work as ‘productive work for women and men in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity’.

“In general, work is considered decent when it pays a fair income, guarantees a secure form of employment and safe working conditions,” he said.

He said it was crucial for the executives to be honest, transparent, and ethical because it sets the tone for the entire organisation and influenced how employees, customers, and stakeholders perceived business.

He said delegates when voting for executive committee should insure they elect responsible leaders with a progressive vision, and avoid keeping recycling the same people. He appealed to unionists to refrain from factions and party partisans.

Secretary General, Mr Tshephiso Mbereki appealed to government to strengthen laws/policies protecting retail shops rights to unionise, adding that such workers were oppressed, paid slavery wages and worked long hours.

He called on workers at companies like Choppies, Spar and filing stations to unionise and speak to their grievances in one voice. ENDS