Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) chairperson, Lawrence Lecha, has condemned the long-standing perception of trade unions as enemies of business, calling for a fundamental shift in industrial relations.
Speaking during the Labour Day commemorations held in Maun this past Friday, Lecha emphasised the need to change this adversarial mindset through consistent dialogue between the government, employers, and unions to ensure mutual respect and the creation of high-paying jobs.
Lecha advocated for unions to be accorded their due respect to reduce unnecessary friction. “The reason why unions are always deemed to be in conflict is because we probably don’t give them the respect that they deserve,” he noted. “Unions fight for the workers and they are rightly justified in being in conflict where the workers’ rights are being trampled upon.”
The newly appointed chairperson remarked that May Day serves as a reminder that progress is achieved through consultation rather than confrontation.
“It is acceptable to agree to disagree, but all partners need to move away from unnecessary confrontation,” Lecha said. “Let us build workplaces based on respect, fairness, high levels of productivity, and shared prosperity, because the future economy will not reward division but collaboration.”
As the head of HATAB, Lecha pledged to partner with trade unions and government departments to drive productivity and ensure decent work conditions. He committed to strengthening labour laws, promoting ethical employment standards across the tourism sector, and fostering capacity building to ensure economic growth translates into improved living standards.
This collaborative approach, he argued, would ensure a thriving economy that benefits employees, investors, and the state alike. He further indicated that safeguarding livelihoods is a collective responsibility that cannot be left to unions alone.
“The theme ‘Safeguarding Livelihoods’ means protecting human dignity, jobs, and guaranteeing equal and fair opportunities,” Lecha added, acknowledging that workers remain vulnerable to the dynamics of economic transition.
Echoing these sentiments, BOPEU President Martin Gabobake noted that the current economic climate demands a mindset change from the workforce. He highlighted that the decline in diamond sales has affected every aspect of life, including employment opportunities.
In light of these challenges, Gabobake advised that the government should move beyond acknowledging the hardships and focus on implementing tangible solutions. “Government should not be crying with the people but instead come up with solutions that will mitigate trials and also better livelihoods,” he said.
This year’s Labour Day was celebrated under the theme: “Safeguarding the Nation’s Livelihood in a Changing Economy.”
