Botswana: The Government of Botswana are calling on the doctors of the country to report to their duties. The government and the Botswana Doctors Union are at odds for working hours.
The BDU is urging the doctors to stop reporting to their duties in accordance with their directive. The organization is asking for fair work hours in accordance with the prescriptions of the labour laws.
The doctors association is fighting for fair treatment, holidays and vacations. The government, on the other side of he argument wants the organization to stop influencing the doctors and encouraging them to not attend to their duties.
The government is taking the support of DPSM and Attorney General to go to the Industrial Court. The government is urging the court to direct BDU to stop influencing Doctors and allowing them to perform their duties.
The government wants a court order to this effect. They want to make sure that the administration can direct the doctors to perform their duties.
The government has taken the matter to court after a statement by Botswana Doctors Union. On April 16, the BDU informed the public and doctors that they had been no discussion on how the to resolve their impasse with government.
Their discussion with the government of Botswana has not brought to light any position or clear pathway to resolve the issue. As such, BDU has asserted that the doctors of Botswana have already their prescribed call.
The Union claimed that after their duties are done, the doctors are free to enjoy the holidays fully. They will afterwards return to work as prescribed for all government workers.
Botswana Doctors Union has provided legal clarification on their issue on standard service provision. The union claimed that they are not providing minimum service, or conducting a strike.
According to the Union Spokesperson, they are providing standard service provision. He said that they are working in accordance to hours permitted by the Act.
The Doctors and healthcare workers classified under Essential Services are restricted from engaging in outright strike action. They can only go on a strike through legal processes for dispute resolution.