Public sector trade unions have firmly rejected the proposed Fan Shape Salary Structure, calling it a threat to workers’ welfare and urging the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) government to reconsider its approach.
Speaking at a press conference in Gaborone on Wednesday, the Six Cooperating Trade Unions plus one union (6CTU+1) declared a collective stance against the proposed structure, arguing that the P227 million allocated for its implementation is insufficient and that the model itself is fundamentally flawed.
Agang Gabana, the coordinator of the unions, said the government must engage in thorough consultation with organised labour before proceeding with reforms that directly impact the livelihoods of public servants.
“The salary structure compromises workers’ welfare. The budgeted P227 million is not enough to roll it out properly. We want a proper, transparent process that truly serves the interests of workers,” Gabana said.
He criticised both the former Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) administration and the Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM) for allegedly bypassing unions in developing the salary model, which is intended to replace the long-standing Peterson Structure.
“There is no hope for workers with this salary structure. We have already engaged the relevant minister on our position, and we are hopeful that something positive will materialise,” he added.
Gabana also called for the government to revisit the PEMANDU Report, which contains a number of recommendations aimed at improving public service delivery and the welfare of civil servants. Contrary to government claims, he insisted that unions are not responsible for delays in implementing the report.
“It is not true that trade unions delayed the process. The delay lies squarely with government,” he said.
One of the key recommendations of the PEMANDU Report was the creation of a comprehensive remuneration policy to guide salary structures across the public sector.
Adding his voice to the criticism, veteran unionist and Manual Workers Union consultant Johnson Motshwarakgole warned that the UDC risks alienating its working-class base if it fails to act decisively.
“The UDC needs to stand up and deliver on its promises. Otherwise, it will lose the support of the working class,” he said.
Motshwarakgole also expressed disappointment with the pace of reforms, noting that the current administration has yet to demonstrate the urgency and agility promised by President Duma Boko.
“As things stand, the system has not changed. Things look normal, and there is no agility that the President spoke about in the civil service,” he said.
