Mine workers union slam Adv .Boko
The Botswana Mine Workers Union (BMWU) has slammed President Advocate Duma’s remarks during his recent address to civil servants, in which he revealed that Debswana Diamond Company intends to retrench over 1000 employees due to the ongoing downturn in the diamond market.
The union argues that while it respects the Office of the President and recognise the importance of national dialogue on economic matters, they are dismayed that such a sensitive and life-altering matter directly impacting thousands of workers and their families was publicly announced without any prior engagement with or notification to the sector Union, which is the legally recognised representative of Debswana employees.
“This disclosure by the President, whether made in good faith or otherwise, comes at a time when the Union is actively engaged in formal consultations with Debswana regarding potential retrenchments. It is therefore highly inappropriate and deeply concerning that such information would be made public, and through a political platform, before it was even properly tabled and finalised through the Joint Negotiation and Consultation Committee (JNCC), a legally established apex negotiation structure between the Union and Debswana,” BMWU General Secretary Mbiganyi Gaekgotswe said.
He stated that the BMWU views this incident as yet another example of the increasing marginalisation of the Union, not only by employers but now, regrettably, by the government through the Office of the President.
According to the General Secretary, they have previously made numerous attempts to engage the President of Botswana on critical issues affecting the wider declining mining industry, including the divestment of De Beers Group from Anglo American; the De Beers–Debswana relationship, and most immediately, the impending retrenchment of workers at Debswana. Regrettably, their calls have gone unanswered.
“We wish to remind all stakeholders, including the Government, Debswana, and the public, that labour relations are governed by due process, respect, and meaningful consultation. It is not only damaging but dangerous to sideline the Union and communicate retrenchment decisions by way of public declarations other than through legislated negotiation platforms,” Gaekgotswe said.
The union has demanded that the Government immediately engage the relevant stakeholders in this matter, being the Union and Debswana, on the retrenchment of 1000 employees, and correct its statement as it has the effect of misleading the public.
“The Office of the President should acknowledge the importance of consulting with affected stakeholders before issuing public statements that may cause panic and uncertainty among workers. That all future communications of such magnitude be made with the Union’s participation and prior knowledge”, BMWU demanded.
The union has reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of mine workers across the country. 'We expect and demand to be treated as a central partner in all matters that affect our members’ livelihoods,' Gaekgotswe said.