Trade Unions have a critical stake in delivering the mandate of the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MESD) despite the differences they may usually have between themselves and the ministry management.
This was said by the Minister of Education and Skills Development, Hon Dr. Douglas Letsholathebe earlier today during the meet and greet session with representatives of different Trade Unions.
Dr. Letsholathebe said following the rationalization of the Ministry into MESD, he saw it critical to meet with different trade unions so as to start this journey together under the auspices of the new ministry.
He said both the Ministry and Unions have a common interest in ensuring that productivity is key in the workplace adding that for this to occur there should be a strong and pleasant working environment, stability in relations between management and unions among other things.
He said good relations at the work place are the joint responsibility of the Ministry, employees and their unions. For that he assured the unions that MESD will be committed to ensure speedy and equitable resolution of grievances and disputes with a view to enhance productivity.
He reiterated that unions and the Ministry should act as social partners, and promote an environment of mutual trust and respect.” To me, trade unionism leadership is a calling and requires unwavering focus, commitment and dedication,” he added.
Hon Minister further assured the unions that his office is always open and ready to appreciate challenges encountered by management and trade unions.
Meanwhile, Botswana Teachers Union (BTU) President Mr Gotlamang Oitsile applauded the Minister and his team for making time to meet with different unions. He assured the Hon Minister together with his comrades they will work closely with the Ministry to deliver on the mandate.
He said he was positive that despite being new in the Ministry the Hon Minister has been consistent in his message of working closely with stakeholders in order to address issues and find ways to make the Ministry perform better especially for the students whom the future of these country lies in.
The Unions represented were Botswana Sectors of Educators Trade Union (BOSETU), Botswana Teachers Union (BTU), National Amalgamated Local and Central Government and Parastatal Workers Union(NALCGPWU),Trainers & Allied Workers Union(TAWU),Botswana Public Employees Union(BOPEU) and the Botswana Nurses Union(BONU).
