Africa-Press – Botswana. The Trade Disputes Act, 2016 provides for mediation of trade disputes within 30 days.
Minister of Labour and Home Affairs Ms Annah Mokgethi told Parliament that in 2019, 15 cases were carried forward to 2020, eight cases to 2021, none in 2022 and three cases to 2023.
Ms Mokgethi said as at November 10 her ministry had 15 trade disputes pending mediation at the Jwaneng District Labour Office.
She explained that where cases of failed or late payment of wages were reported, the Trade Disputes Act, 2016 mandated parties to refer their disputes to the Commissioner of Labour for mediation.
The minister said this was applicable to all types of trade disputes against any respondent, citing that the reported cases were mediated in accordance with the provisions of applicable law.
Moreover, she said her ministry conducted labour inspections and occupational health and safety inspections to ensure compliance to labour laws.
Ms Mokgethi said her ministry was not empowered to prevent directors from opening new companies whilst having pending labour cases.
“There are provisions in the labour laws that guide on the action my ministry can take against employers who mistreat their employees. The action required may be social dialogue, penalties or education,” she said.
Ms Mokgethi said there were no mechanisms within her ministry for blacklisting employers who mistreated their employees as the law made provisions on action to be taken.
She said where actions by employers bordered on criminal activities, her ministry worked closely with the Botswana Police to ensure that such perpetrators faced the wrath of the law.
Member for Jwaneng/Mabutsane Mr Mephato Reatile had asked the minister to apprise Parliament on the Department of Labour affairs in Jwaneng-Mabutsane and to state the number of unresolved labour disputes cases from 2019 to date as well as actions taken against companies repeatedly reported over failed or late payment of wages.He also inquired if the minister had created a system that safeguards government funds from employers who mistreated their workers with specific measures initiated from 2019 to date.
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