Botswana: Support 100,000 striking public sector workers

Around 100,000 public sector workers in Botswana, Southern Africa have been on strike since 18 April 2011. After enduring a three year wage freeze, which has left salaries well below the cost of living, workers are demanding a 16% wage rise. All attempts at negotiation have ended in deadlock and the strike continues. The Government has responded by dismissing hundreds of workers classified as providing essential services, including doctors and nurses. Leaders of public sector unions have been periodically detained and released without charged. Hospitals, schools and other vital public services have been paralysed as a result of the strike. There are concerns that the protests are becoming increasingly violent as security forces seek to silence the striking workers by “whatever means possible”.