08/09/2026
BISEWU Mandate and Vision for the Petroleum Sector in Botswana
Botswana Industrial Services Workers Union (BISEWU) is a trade union dedicated to representing, protecting and advancing the interests of workers in Botswana’s petroleum industry, including fuel attendants, filling-station cashiers, fuel tanker operators, depot workers and other petroleum-sector employees.
This mandate is particularly important as Botswana’s petroleum sector is central to the country’s fuel security and economic activity. Government policy also recognises the importance of meaningful citizen participation in the petroleum industry.
1. BISEWU Mandate
BISEWU's mandate shall be to:
Protect workers' rights and interests
Represent petroleum workers and ensure that their employment rights, dignity and welfare are respected.
Promote decent working conditions
Advocate for fair wages, reasonable working hours, leave, employment benefits and safe working environments.
Improve occupational health and safety
Promote strong health and safety standards, particularly because petroleum workers may be exposed to fuel, chemicals, fire and other workplace hazards.
Collective bargaining
Negotiate with employers for improved salaries, benefits and conditions of employment through recognised collective bargaining structures. Botswana's current labour framework specifically provides for collective bargaining and good-faith negotiations.
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Job security and fair employment
Fight unfair dismissals, exploitation, discrimination and the inappropriate use of short-term contracts.
Worker education and empowerment
Educate members about their employment rights, responsibilities, health and safety, financial literacy and trade-union principles.
Promote equality and dignity
Work against discrimination, workplace harassment, violence and unfair treatment. These are also areas specifically addressed under Botswana's modern labour framework.
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Promote citizen participation
Encourage greater participation of Batswana in the petroleum value chain, including employment, skills development, entrepreneurship and leadership opportunities.
Represent workers in social dialogue
Work constructively with Government, employers and other stakeholders to develop a sustainable petroleum industry that benefits both workers and Botswana's economy. Government has emphasised tripartite cooperation between government, employers and labour unions.
BISEWU Vision
“To build a strong, united, skilled, safe and economically empowered petroleum workforce that enjoys decent employment and contributes meaningfully to the sustainable development of Botswana.
Our vision is to see:
A petroleum sector where every worker:
Is treated with dignity and respect;
Receives fair and decent remuneration;
Works in a safe and healthy environment;
Has access to training and career development;
Is protected from discrimination, harassment and exploitation;
Has a meaningful voice through collective bargaining;
Enjoys reasonable job security and social protection; and
Can participate in Botswana's economic development.
BISEWU Strategic Mission
“To organise, represent, protect and empower petroleum workers through strong trade-union representation, collective bargaining, education, occupational health and safety, social dialogue and economic empowerment.”
BISEWU's long-term goal
BISEWU should not only be known as a union that responds to disputes. It should become a strategic voice for petroleum workers and a recognised social partner in the development of Botswana's petroleum industry.
This approach is consistent with Botswana's current labour reforms, which emphasise fundamental workers' rights, freedom of association, collective bargaining, social dialogue and fair labour practices.
“United Workers, Stronger Petroleum Industry, Better Botswana.
