Court dismisses challenge to bargaining council constitution

A union’s legal challenge to the constitution of Botswana’s Public Service Bargaining Council has been dismissed by the High Court.

The National Amalgamated Local and Central Government and Parastatal Workers Union challenged arrangements governing the Public Service Bargaining Council. The dispute concerned the council’s composition and the appointment of its secretary.

In a judgment delivered in Gaborone, Justice Professor Bugalo Maripe found that the application lacked merit and dismissed it. The court also ordered the applicant to meet the costs of the first five respondents. The ruling resolves this application; it should not be read as a general ruling on every issue affecting public-service negotiations.