BOFEPUSU stands with striking UB staff
Botswana Federation of Public Parastatals and Private Sector Unions ( BOFEPUSU) has expressed its solidarity with workers at University of Botswana who embarked on a five- day strike regarding their conditions of service and welfare. Their five- day peaceful demonstration concluded this week but has not yet yielded any results. The strike that is led by University of Botswana Academic and Support Staff Union ( UBASSU) and University of Botswana Staff Union ( UBSU, is expected to continue onto the next week if their pleas are not considered.
The two unions have since handed over a petition to the Minister of Education and Skills Development Dr. Douglas Letsholathebe.
In the new petition, the unions are asking for 15 percent pay increase across the board effective from April, or 7.5 percent plus incorporation of allowances into the basic salary if 15 percent is too steep.
BOFEPUSU Acting Secretary General Ketlhalefile Motshegwa said the challenges of workers should serve as an inspiration to them to strive for and demand respect for their rights, democratisation of the workplace, and good conditions of service.
He stated that they note that the workers at UB through their unions have followed the necessary processes to dialogue and negotiate with
Management but the dispute ensued because of the obstinate management devoid of regard for workers’ welfare.
According to Motshegwa it is clear that Professor David Norris is a monumental failure who without doubt will destroy the legacy of University of Botswana.
The secretary general said they honour this uprising in the faces of workers who through unions are fighting against the wave of inflation that is destroying the workers’ income, who demand wage increases, life and work with rights.
“We would like to reiterate that workers are producers of wealth and without the dedicated efforts, sweat and brains of the workers, nothing would move forward, nothing would work, nothing would be in motion,” Motshegwa said.
When receiving the petition, the Minister acknowledged the pleas made by the workers. He indicated that he appreciates their demands for increment hence why he took his time to come and meet them.
Dr. Letsholathebe promised the striking workers that together with his team, they will meet with the UB Council and deliberate on the issue together.
Even though the Minister appreciated the deadline for his response to the demands, he said it is short period. The Minister has been given until today, Friday, to have responded to petition demands.