Selebi-Phikwe — Botswana Mine Workers Union (BMWU) Selebi-Phikwe branch has for the first time come out in the open to appreciate its improved working relationship with the BCL mine management.

During a consultative meeting with Selebi-Phikwe West Member of Parliament (MP) Kavis Kario, branch chairman Bob Malele said the relationship is cordial and should enhance communication between the two parties. He praised Joseph Lisindi, Divisional Manager (Organisational capabilities), for being an effective communicator and ensured the transformed relationship. He, however, said there are some line managers who are still hostile towards the union. The union and BCL management had over a long time been on a collision course and usually ended in court to resolve their differences.

Malele said it was crucial to have consultative meetings with the town's leaders to share ideas, noting that the misunderstandings that marred their relationship with the mine made it impossible for them to meet with the MP immediately after assuming union leadership positions.

He said the union was previously regarded as a group of rebels, but to the contrary they are stakeholders who want to see the country progressing "and the company we are working for being productive and profitable".

He said BMWU only differs with other unions because of the dangerous environment under which they work "and we want our grievances to be listened to and addressed where necessary".

Malele also indicated that as the new branch committee, they have pledged to eliminate party politics from their work because they have realised that politics have disrupted union operations.

The chairman saluted BCL's efforts in trying to address community concerns over the mine emissions. He said the mine continues to do all it can to reduce the chemical concentration in the emissions that may be a health hazard.

Meanwhile, the union wishes that on top of the corporate social activities that the mine is undertaking, BCL should build at least a school for the community in which it operates, as a monument to be remembered with even after its envisaged closure.

The union also called on BCL to consider addressing the issue of shortage of employees' accommodation. They said the mine does not seem to have any immediate plans to increase existing units or at least improve their conditions. "BCL with its mine power and the Central District Council with its political power should come together to address the issue and make use of the vast idle land in Selebi-Phikwe."

Union leaders also highlighted that they are working hand in hand with the mine to address the issue of littering in the town and called for stern measures against perpetrators, particularly those who dump refuse behind Morula English Medium School along the way to the mine.

MP Kario praised the union's efforts to strive for an improved relationship with the mine.

He said he was particularly encouraged by the initiative of meeting in a more cordial atmosphere, an indication of improved working relations because the union used to have serious problems with leaders.

He noted that even the Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Ponatshego Kedikilwe's leadership is encouraged as he (the minister) recently visited the mine under a more conducive environment. "As long as communication is there, many things are bound to improve and there has to be an appreciation of various roles of the stakeholders."

The legislator advised the union to always be prepared to face challenges without sacrificing principles. He said "party politics in the union" is a big challenge that has to be urgently addressed. "When you serve political interests you divide the organisation. The union will leave its mandate and run with the affairs of parties and workers will suffer in the process. I am very happy that you also understand the dangers of party politics in the union." The legislator urged the union to consider vying for pensions instead of gratuity, which, he said, is just a poverty trap and also to always think about investment. Kario further advised the union to seek permanent legal representation to strengthen the union.