Botswana's public sector unions on Thursday withdrew a court case against the government after it reversed a decision classifying teachers and others as essential workers who cannot strike.
“We are very happy with the decision that was taken by the MPs (Member of Parliament) to support our cause in this manner. This means that we are now withdrawing our case against the government,” Botswana Federation of Trade Unions spokesman Goretetse Kekgonegile said.
His comments came after the leader of opposition Botswana
Congress Party, Dumelang Saleshando, and other members of parliament argued that proper procedure was not followed when Labour Minister Peter Siele introduced the legislation last month.
A government gazette had announced that vets, teachers, diamond cutters and others would be considered essential workers who are not allowed to go on strike.
Previously, essential services included air traffic control, electricity services, fire services, the bank of Botswana, health services and sewage services.
Public sector unions last month ended an eight-week stayaway for a 16 percent salary increase.
Public workers settled for three percent after the government insisted it could not afford a larger increase as the global economic crisis sapped demands for diamonds, the mainstay of the economy. - Sapa-AFP