Decent Work Country Programme, 2020 -2024, which is a flagship programme for government, employers and workers, is currently undergoing a major review.
When officiating at the 15th Congress of Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU), President Mokgweetsi Masisi said that consultations with the labour movement, and BFTU in particular has yielded many positive outcomes over the years.
He said that of vital importance is the enactment and review of various labour laws, the development of policies and programmes.
“I therefore wish to urge all the parties involved to redouble their efforts to ensure the speedy implementation of the programme. The success in all the above mentioned undertakings has been possible through your unwavering commitment. I therefore strongly believe that this country can go far in pursuit of its national development agenda if we can continue to nurture and exploit the partnership that exist between Government, workers and employers.”
Masisi said that government remains committed to promoting policy inclusiveness and cooperation with its social partners.
He said that government in collaboration with key stakeholders, has been able to come up with programmes which were intended to preserve lives, support workers and stabilise businesses.
“These priorities were premised on a firm foundation of social dialogue. These included the wage subsidies for three months for employees in businesses affected by Covid-19 and loan guarantee scheme to support access to bank credit for businesses adversely affected by Covid-19.”
He further mentioned that government has adopted a response plan in the form of the Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan whose objective is to support the restoration of economic activity and incomes, facilitate economic growth and accelerate economic transformation and build the resilience of the economy.
“I wish to express my government’s appreciation for the support provided by your federation to our response to COVID-19, as well as the contributions that your affiliate trade unions and individual members have made towards the fight against this pandemic.”
