The General Secretary of Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU), Tshepiso Mbereki, believes that the once strained labor market is on the path toward a renewed social contract. This optimism stems from recent government efforts to mend labor relations and modernise employment laws.
Amendment of the Employment Act and Public Service Act (PSA)
Botswana’s labor laws have long been criticised as outdated, failing to address the complexities of today’s labor market. General Secretary Mbereki highlighted the urgency of revising these laws:
“Labor relations, the PSA, and the establishment of the bargaining council are of great urgency. These form the foundation for solving many labor issues and concerns we face as a union,” he said.
He recommends a phased approach to revising the Employment Act and PSA, ensuring alignment with international standards for decent work without repealing the entire act.
The Employment Act was last revised in 2010, notably to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or health status. However, the current administration has expressed its intention to review the PSA, acknowledging its fragmented nature and lack of conformity with broader labor laws.
Resuscitation of the Public Service Bargaining Council (PSBC)
BOPEU has commended the government’s efforts to reinvigorate the Public Service Bargaining Council (PSBC), a move seen as a commitment to transforming Botswana’s labor landscape.
“We commend the Minister for the progress made, as evidenced by the amendment bill passed in Parliament that paves the way for the PSBC,” Mbereki noted.
The recently passed PSA Amendment Bill allows representation for a majority of recognised trade unions rather than all of them. This step has been described as progressive, as it provides a clear path toward re-establishing the PSBC. Previously, delays were attributed to a lack of consensus among unions on the PSBC constitution.
Tripartite systems, involving the government, employers, and unions, are globally recognised as effective mechanisms for navigating labor complexities, addressing injustices, and promoting democracy in the workplace. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 98 guarantees the right to organise and engage in collective bargaining and advocates for measures that ensure independence, impartiality, and voluntary negotiations.
Establishing a Minimum Wage
Setting a wage floor has been a priority for unions, as it plays a critical role in ensuring fair labor income distribution. Mbereki emphasised this shared goal, citing BOPEU’s alignment with the government’s proposed minimum wage of P4,000.
“We still maintain that the wages of civil servants are low. Initiatives such as this are highly welcome and align with our interests,” he stated.
The BTI 2024 Country Report identifies Botswana as one of the most unequal countries globally, with significant income inequality stemming from the absence of a wage policy. Labor income inequality interconnects with other forms of inequality, compounding challenges faced by individuals.
BOPEU expressed confidence in the government’s commitment to implementing the minimum wage, urging its formalisation into law:
“We believe the government cannot make a commitment like P4,000 in a vacuum. The UDC government has demonstrated its commitment to this promise despite the current economic challenges, and we believe it is achievable,” Mbereki added.
ILO principles emphasise that wage-setting processes should be research-driven and involve labor market stakeholders. Additionally, wage-setting institutions should ensure a gradual progression from minimum wage to living wage, considering regional differences and the cost of living. BOPEU is advocating for the government to enact the P4,000 minimum wage into law to ensure compliance:
“We want this to be enshrined in law, not just left to voluntary goodwill by companies,” Mbereki concluded.
