In a bold move, the Botswana Nurses Union (BNU) has issued an advisory to nurses and midwives, urging them to fully utilize their private time and ignore calls for duty until the Ministry of Health agrees to engage in negotiations regarding the development of a formal framework and guidelines for on-call duty. This statement follows a legal ruling from the Court of Appeal, which declared the current on-call duty system to be unlawful.
The union’s statement comes in response to concerns over the legality and fairness of the current on-call arrangements, which it asserts place an undue burden on healthcare workers. The union’s call to action emphasizes that nurses and midwives are not legally required to remain on standby near their work stations during their off-duty hours, and that they have the right to use their personal time as they see fit.
On-Call Duty Deemed Unlawful
According to the Court of Appeal ruling, the on-call duty system, which previously required nurses to remain within close proximity of their workplace even when off duty, is not legally justified. The Botswana Nurses Union has made it clear that this ruling affirms that nurses and midwives should not be expected to be “on standby” outside their working hours without clear and negotiated guidelines.
“Nurses that are rostered to be on call are advised that there is no legal requirement for them to remain within the vicinity or radius of their work stations whilst on call, as this is their free time,” the union’s statement reads. “As such, they are at liberty to travel or use their time as they please.”
The BNU’s advisory calls for the Ministry of Health to take action and begin negotiations to establish a framework that ensures fair and lawful on-call duty arrangements. Until such agreements are made, nurses are encouraged to assert their legal rights by ignoring calls for duty that would infringe upon their private time.
Clarifying Nurses’ Responsibilities
The statement from the Botswana Nurses Union clarified that being rostered for on-call duty does not impose an obligation on nurses and midwives to remain on-site or in close proximity to their workplaces. The only duty nurses are legally required to fulfill when rostered on call is to answer the phone and report for duty if contacted.
“Nurses and Midwives are advised to answer such calls and communicate their locations for the Ministry and District Health Management Team (DHMT) to transport them to the duty station,” the union explained. This ensures that nurses are not expected to use their personal resources or vehicles to commute to work, as it is the Ministry and DHMT’s responsibility to arrange transportation for them when needed.
The union’s statement stresses that nurses and midwives should not be financially burdened by transportation costs while fulfilling their professional duties. This marks a clear demand for the Ministry of Health to take responsibility for facilitating transport when on-call personnel are required to attend to their duties.
Addressing Concerns Over Fair Treatment
The Botswana Nurses Union’s stance on the on-call duty issue highlights broader concerns about the fair treatment of healthcare workers. Nurses and midwives, who play an essential role in providing care to the population, are advocating for better working conditions that respect their rights to time off and compensation for the services they provide.
The advisory underscores the principle that the welfare of healthcare professionals must be prioritized, ensuring that they are not overburdened by responsibilities that interfere with their well-being or personal time. The union’s efforts aim to ensure that nurses and midwives are treated equitably and that their terms of service align with legal and ethical standards.
Next Steps and Negotiations
The Botswana Nurses Union is calling for urgent dialogue with the Ministry of Health to develop a comprehensive framework for on-call duty that addresses issues such as fair compensation, transportation arrangements, and adequate rest periods for healthcare workers. Until negotiations are complete and new guidelines are established, the union urges nurses and midwives to assert their rights and refrain from taking on-call duty unless the Ministry ensures proper arrangements are in place.
The ongoing discussions are seen as a critical moment for the healthcare sector in Botswana. The outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for how on-call duty is structured in the future, not just for nurses and midwives but for all healthcare workers in the country.
The Botswana Nurses Union’s call to ignore on-call duty until a fair and legal framework is developed serves as a significant statement regarding the treatment of healthcare workers in Botswana. By demanding that the Ministry of Health take responsibility for creating a transparent and lawful system, the union is striving to ensure that nurses and midwives are fairly compensated, adequately supported, and able to maintain a work-life balance.
As negotiations continue, the BNU remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for the rights of healthcare workers and ensuring that the public service remains accountable and fair in its treatment of those who work tirelessly to care for others.
