PRESS STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL WORKERS DAY 2009 – Social Justice for All in the midst of the Economic Recession

DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights joins all workers in Botswana and around the world in commemorating International Workers Day on 1st May 2009.

For 2009, commemorations in Botswana focus on the ongoing global economic crisis.  The theme of “Social Justice for All in the midst of the Economic Recession” provides the opportunity for all workers to reflect on the risks to human security which workers face in the global economic recession which increases loss of jobs and the reduction in choices to all workers.  DITSHWANELO urges all sectors to reflect on potential opportunities and strategies to support workers who are engaged in what are termed industrial class employment.  These include domestic workers labourers, gardeners, farm workers and those engaged in piece-job employment.

In 1994 and 1995, DITSHWANELO conducted extensive research into the situation of domestic workers in Botswana. The findings of this research were that domestic workers were largely unaware of their rights as workers and also suffered from violations of their rights. An educational booklet known as Rights of Domestic Workers was produced in 1995. This booklet was revised in 2002.  An informal group of domestic workers called The Domestic Workers Foundation has emerged as a result of the 1994/5 research project. Since 1995, they have been meeting at the DITSHWANELO offices. The monthly forum provides them with the opportunity to air their concerns and seek constructive solutions for them. DITSHWANELO hosts training sessions which empower this group of domestic workers to enable them to promote, protect and fulfill their rights both as employees and citizens of Botswana.

As domestic workers are employed in homes providing support to those who directly work in the financial sector in Botswana and beyond, the global financial crisis will directly affect their employment. This is because the impact of the financial crisis will affect economic activity in all areas.  As many face job losses and a reduction in disposable income, this will have a ripple effect on domestic workers who will also lose their jobs.  Losing their jobs will render domestic workers less able to support their own families.

DITSHWANELO continues to receive reports of unfair working conditions and ill-treatment of domestic workers by their employers.  Domestic workers are currently entitled to four (4) paid public holidays while other employees are entitled to eight (8) paid public holidays.   DITSHWANELO supports domestic workers in their search for the same labour rights as all categories of workers.

DITSHWANELO notes that the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Governing Body has placed the issue of decent work for domestic workers on the agenda of the ILO conference (2010).  DITSHWANELO is hopeful that this action will result in the setting of labour standards for domestic workers.

DITSHWANELO continues to urge the Government and other stakeholders in Botswana to regularly engage with domestic workers to enable domestic workers to participate in decisions which affect them.  DITSHWANELO further urges all Government, trade union and other representatives from Botswana who will attend the ILO conference in 2010 to support the establishment of labour standards for all domestic workers.

 
29 April 2009
Gaborone

For more information, please contact DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights at Tel: 267 390 6998 Fax: 267 3907778, Website: www.ditshwanelo.info.bw, Email:admin.ditswanelo@info.bw/ditshawnelo-myfuturetoday@info.org.bw