The Influence of International Instruments on Public Service Labour Relations in Botswana Prior to the Advent of Unionization

Freedom of Association is a fundamental human right. It is essential to sustained progress. There is security of employment in circumstances where an employee is allowed to join a union and within that union to bargain collectively with others. Initially in Botswana, public sector employees could not belong to unions. It was through the influence of international instruments that Botswana subsequently allowed public sector unions to unionise. This paper touches on the significant provisions of the International Labour Organisation that were instrumental in the change of mindset. International labour standards impact positively on security of tenure in both the public and private sector, especially Freedom of Association. The paper acknowledges the special and peculiar nature of the public service, but however urges for an indivisible labour law regime for both public and private employment according to historical and comparative materials perused.