Botswana President Attacks Union’s Claims Over Mine Strike

Botswana President Festus Mogae has dismissed comments by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions that the government declared a strike by Debswana workers illegal, saying the decision was made by an independent Industrial Court.

Mogae said in a statement that respect for the rule of law was of supreme importance in the southern African country.

The government wants the leadership of the Botswana Mine Workers Union and the management of Debswana to engage in a constructive dialogue in order to put an end to the strike.

Two weeks after the wildcat strike started, many of the strikers have returned to work, however 440 letters of dismissal have been issued to striking workers, followed by “encouragements” to leave company housing.

Meanwhile, union officials are to appear in court today (Thursday) to face contempt charges for the partial strike.