Botswana Federation of Public Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU) has accused President Ian Khama and his government of sidelining civil servants when it comes to salary increments and negotiations. The Union berated the government saying by intentionally disregarding the plight of employees, the Khama-led government risks a backlash from civil servants.
The Unions main point of contention is the that government only gave the proposed 3% salary increment to a certain number of civil servants who were not part of BOFEPUSU, whilst at the same time refusing to do the same for union members. According to the Union, government’s underhand tactics of trying to starve the Union of subscriptions which they rely on for their operations was nothing short of crude.
The Secretary General of BOFEPUSU, Tobokani Rari, expressed his displeasure over the conduct of government saying by refusing to bargain with the unions, they were left with no other option but to advise their members to alienate the government.
Although Rari claims that government has promised 3% salary increments to those who separate themselves from the union, he advised their members not to fall into the BDP trap of leaving their union membership.
“It is evident that the present regime/government is hell bent to reverse the gains that have been achieved,” said Rari adding that they will do everything in their capacity to sensitise their members to vote against the government if they continue suppressing the workers.
Amongst other things, BOFEPUSU will hold a peaceful demonstration on April 11th in remembrance of the 2011 civil servants strike.
