Government and public sector trade unions have reached consensus on the framework and rules of engagement that will guide the upcoming 2026–2027 salary and conditions of service negotiations.
The agreement follows extensive consultations under Clause 29 of the Constitution of the Public Service Bargaining Council (PSBC), which brought together the Government of Botswana in its capacity as the Employer Party and the admitted trade union parties.
The unions involved include the Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU), Botswana Teachers Union (BTU), Botswana Sectors of Educators Trade Union (BOSETU), Botswana Land Boards, Local Authorities and Health Workers Union (BLLAHWU), and BONU/BDU AJA.
The parties convened on June 22, 2026, to deliberate on the structure and process that will govern the forthcoming collective bargaining cycle.
PSBC Deputy Secretary Tobokani Rari said the meeting was characterised by constructive engagement, mutual respect and a shared commitment to strengthening social dialogue within the public service.
He said the parties ultimately reached agreement on the framework that will guide negotiations for the 2026–2027 cycle.
According to Rari, the negotiations will cover substantive issues including conditions of service in the health sector, the public service remuneration policy and salary structure, as well as proposed salary and conditions of service adjustments for 2026–2027.
To support the process, the parties agreed to introduce a capacity-building programme for negotiators, scheduled for July 6–7, 2026, ahead of formal talks.
Rari said the Employer Party will submit its engagement paper on health sector conditions of service by June 30, 2026.
He added that the Employer Party will also submit its counterproposal on the 2026–2027 salary and conditions of service adjustments by July 17, 2026.
Negotiations on salaries and conditions of service adjustments will then take place from July 27 to 31, 2026.
Discussions on health sector conditions of service and the broader remuneration policy and salary structure for the public service are scheduled for August 3 to 7, 2026.
Rari said the parties have also adopted formal rules of engagement to govern the negotiations, reaffirming their commitment to good faith bargaining, mutual respect and structured social dialogue under the PSBC constitutional framework.
He said both sides have committed to participate in the process transparently and constructively, with the aim of promoting stable labour relations and ensuring the effective delivery of public services.
Rari added that the parties assured public officers and stakeholders that the negotiations were conducted in a cordial and professional atmosphere, and that they remain committed to achieving outcomes that are equitable, sustainable and in the national interest.
“The Bargaining Council will continue to keep stakeholders and the public informed of significant developments arising from the negotiation process,” he said.
