15 August, 2024Globally, Botswana’s diamond manufacturing supply chain is seen as a shining example of the sector in Africa. But unions say with the current union busting the country’s diamonds are becoming dirty.
In letters written to government departments, including the ministries of labour and social security and home affairs, the Botswana Diamond Workers Union (BDWU) wants an end to workers’ rights violations on the diamond cutting and polishing supply chain.
For instance, the companies employ migrant workers whom they pay low wages are in violation of the immigration and labour laws. The companies also ignore dispute resolution mechanisms. When it comes to union recruitment and recognition, the companies victimize workers, while others are dismissed or retrenched for joining their chosen union. Even where the union meets the requirements to be recognised by the employer at the factories, as per labour laws, often the union must fight the employer for compliance.
Although, the BDWU, an IndustriALL affiliate, approached the labour inspectorate to conduct inspections and assist in resolving the disputes. The union was surprised that the report from the inspections omitted some of the union’s grievances which included deteriorating working conditions in long working hours, non-payment of overtime, and removing benefits without engaging with workers. For example, at Dharum Cutting Works the employer withdrew attendance bonuses, transport allowances, medical aid, and performance bonus.
In the diamond manufacturing industry, there is also non-compliance with occupational health and safety standards, disregarding the employment of locals and skills training, increasing sexual harassment, precarious working conditions in which short contracts were used to deter workers from joining the union, and reduction of wages. Additionally unfair dismissals and retrenchments were common. These grievances were highlighted at the IndustriALL global diamond network meeting in Lesotho in February, this year.
The union’s proposals for social dialogue with the Diamond Hub, the Botswana Diamond Manufacturers Association, De Beers Botswana, and Business Botswana were ignored. However, the BDWU maintains that social dialogue will assist in improving working conditions.
The union gave examples of the offending companies which include Venus Jewel Botswana where the labour inspectors intervened for the union to be recognised.
At Yerushalmi Bros Diamond Botswana, where the union has a recognition agreement, there is engagement to end violations. At Dharum Cutting Works Botswana cases of sexual harassment were reported by the union to the ministry of labour. According to a report by the labour inspectorate, at Dharum, a general manager sexually harassed workers through inappropriate touching, unwanted sexual advances, sexual solicitation and overtones and graphic comments.
“The diamond cutting and polishing sub-sector needs urgent attention or else our diamonds will be tainted by the increasing workers’ and human rights violations. The union calls upon the ministries of labour and home affairs as well as other relevant departments to act swiftly and ensure compliance on workers’ rights,”
said Dominic Obusitse Mapoka, BDWU chairperson general.
Paule France Ndessomin, IndustriALL regional secretary for Sub-Saharan Africa said:
“The union busting in the diamond manufacturing in Botswana is appalling. The diamond cutting and polishing companies must respect trade union and workers’ rights. Further, the companies must protect women workers against sexual harassment. We commend the BDWU for a sustained fight for workers’ rights.”