TRADE UNION RIVALRY AND ITS IMPACT ON LABOUR RELATIONS: THE CASE OF BOTSWANA
TRADE UNION RIVALRY AND ITS IMPACT ON LABOUR RELATIONS: THE CASE OF BOTSWANA

Summary/Abstract: This paper investigates the public sector trade unions rivalry in Botswanaand its impact on union-employer relationship. The place of trade unions in socio-economicsetup decides about more pluralistic or corporatist of a democratic institution. The biggestcontention that that led to the simmering and skirmishes is premised on the issue of whoshould legitimately represent public servants at the newly formed Botswana Public SectorBargaining Council. There are several evils in union rivalries. First, they lead to jurisdictionalcontests, which may harm innocent and neutral employers as well as the public. Second,they limit the extent to which unions can discipline their members and make theircommitments effective. Third, they limit the effectiveness of the labor movement ininfluencing the course of public affairs. Fourth, they result in unsympathetic publicity, whichwhips up sentiment in favor of punitive legislation. Such legislation may be harmful to thecause of legitimate, responsible trade unionism. This paper therefore recommendsstrategies for the promotion of peace in the Botswana Public Service Sector. It is stronglyrecommended that the warring parties must unite against the employer as opposed to beingdisunited and weak.

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