The Botswana Financial Institutions and Allied Workers Union (BOFIAWU) has set next month (August 2026) as the date to petition Motswedi SACCOS over growing allegations of unfair labour practices, workplace intimidation, and abuse of authority that employees say have created a hostile working environment.
The petition follows numerous attempts by BOFIAWU and complaints from employees who allege that bullying, harassment, and intimidation have become increasingly common within the organisation. Workers further claim that employees who are members of the union are being unfairly targeted because of their lawful association with organised labour. BOFIAWU maintains that every worker has a constitutional and legal right to belong to a trade union without fear of victimisation or discrimination.
The Union has also raised serious concerns regarding allegations that confidential information is being leaked by members of management before responsibility is shifted to employees. Such conduct, if proven, undermines trust, damages professional reputations, and compromises sound corporate governance.
BOFIAWU is equally disturbed by reports that employees have been suspended without thorough investigations or adherence to the principles of procedural fairness. The Union believes disciplinary processes must be guided by evidence, transparency, and natural justice rather than assumptions or predetermined conclusions.
Commenting on the petition, BOFIAWU Chairperson Mills Tlhoro said the decision to formally petition MOTSWEDI SACCOS was driven by the Union’s responsibility to safeguard workers’ rights and ensure that every employee is treated fairly.
“A petition is not an act of confrontation, it is a call for accountability and constructive engagement. As a union, we cannot remain silent when workers raise consistent concerns about intimidation, procedural unfairness and the erosion of workplace dignity. Every employee deserves to work in an environment where fairness, respect and justice are upheld. We are petitioning Motswedi SACCOS because we believe these concerns warrant urgent attention and meaningful dialogue before they further damage employee morale, productivity and industrial relations.”
The Chairperson further stated that BOFIAWU remains committed to resolving labour disputes through engagement, mutual respect and adherence to Botswana’s labour laws and principles of natural justice. The Union urged Motswedi SACCOS to seize the opportunity to address the concerns raised by employees and rebuild confidence within the institution.
BOFIAWU has further welcomed the solidarity shown by the Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU) and affiliated unions, whose collective support demonstrates the labour movement’s unwavering commitment to defending workers’ rights, promoting decent work, and ensuring that every workplace in Botswana remains free from intimidation, discrimination and unfair labour practices.
“Other unions are set to walk with us on this journey to show the seriousness of our campaign as the union and how accountable we are to our members. We are hoping to have masses during the petition in August”, noted Tlhoro.
