|
• They cited the 7% to 9% De Beers salaries’ Hike in South Africa and Namibia
• Demonstrations planned for this week
• They threaten not to vote
Some employees of the De Beers Botswana
Mining Company (Debswana) in Orapa,
Letlhakane and Jwaneng, affiliated to the Botswana Mining Workers Union are threatening to demonstrate this week to protest over pay.
It is understood that they want a 15% pay hike to make up for the value eroded by inflation.
Speaking in an interview, Mr. Jack Tlhagale, the executive secretary of the Union, confirmed that they were in talks with the management over the issue. He said they would meet management again on the 7th. He hoped that “all will go well.” They were discussing with Debswana management on good faith and were optimistic about the outcome.
The Union’s branches in Orapa and Jwaneng have applied for police permits to stage peaceful demonstrations this week and are waiting for their response. They have threatened not to participate in this year’s general elections if their demands are not met. Botswana goes to the polls on October 16th. Debswana has about 4000 employees.
Inside sources say that the Union in demanding a 15% salary increase, calculates inflation at 12.6%, and has added a 2.4% adjustment to be included in the package. They argue that while Debswana is a standalone company, it earns the majority of the profits realized by De Beers.
Debswana has been going through a rough patch because of the global recession and diamonds sales are slow; the mining giant has temporarily shut down some its mines in Orapa and Letlhakane. Debswana’s management has indicated that it is not in a position to give any salary increase until further notice.
But The Gazette has learnt that employees are convinced that Debswana is in a position to increase their salaries because the De Beers Group has increased the salaries of its employees - by 7.7% in Botswana, 9% in South Africa and between 7 and 9% in Namibia.
Debswana spokesperson, Mrs Esther Kanaimba-Senai said she could not confirm or deny the negotiations because she has not been in the office lately.
Asked to comment on the Debswana employees’ demand, University of Botswana lecturer and an expert in politics and economics, Dr Emmanuel Botlhale, said, “I do not think Debswana has fully recovered to the extent where it can offer salary increases.”
He said the employees should be reasonable and give their management a grace period to observe the recovery, “and when sales are at a justifiable stage, then they can bargain.” According to Botlhale comparing Debswana and De Beers confuses things. “I do not think they are comparing like and like, especially that they are talking about situations in Namibia and South Africa; our circumstances might be completely different.”
As for employees boycotting the elections, Botlhale said, “this is a civic responsibility and a right of the employees. They should not disenfranchise themselves just because they want salary increases. Actually by taking part in elections they contribute in bringing leaders who can better address labour issues,” he said.
The UB lecturer said employees must differentiate between employer-employee relations and their civic responsibilities, “they should be patriots of our democracy,” he said. By AUBREY LUTE
|
Subscribe to this comment's feed
