Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144) - Botswana (Ratification: 1997)

The Committee notes the observations of the Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU), communicated together with the Government’s report.

Article 5(1) of the Convention. Effective tripartite consultations. The Government provides in its report information on the activities of the Labour Advisory Board (LAB), indicating that it met in September 2015 and discussed legislative amendments. The Government adds that the Minimum Wages Advisory Board (MWAB) met in March 2016 and recommended a 6 per cent adjustment across the board, which was approved by the Government and came into effect on 1 June 2016. The BFTU confirms the information provided by the Government and expresses its concern that the LAB and the MWAB are the only true tripartite national structures, adding that their mandate is very limited to effectively meet the requirements for consultation on economic, labour and social matters. The BFTU is of the view that, on many occasions, the two tripartite bodies are used for the fulfilment of statutory requirements rather than to pursue good faith consultations with the social partners, and that there have been many occasions when the Government has disregarded advice from the two bodies without providing reasons. Moreover, the BFTU indicates that the two bodies are poorly resourced and are not able to adequately deliver on their mandates. Meetings are irregular due to both financial and human resources. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the effective consultations held with the social partners on each of the matters concerning international labour standards listed in Article 5(1) of the Convention. In addition, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the activities of the Labour Advisory Board and the Minimum Wage Advisory Board, indicating the frequency and the nature of any reports or recommendations from these Boards regarding international labour standards.