Trade unions representing workers at the Polihali Dam construction site, a key component of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), are optimistic that working conditions will improve following the launch of the Polihali Bargaining Forum Constitution.
Established by the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA), the forum is designed to facilitate dialogue between employers and trade unions on industrial relations issues that have frequently led to delays in construction.
Among the most common grievances affecting workers are salary disparities, poor working conditions, inadequate transportation, and substandard meals, according to Hlalefang Seoaholimo, General Secretary of the Lesotho Workers Association.
The forum includes representatives from the LHDA, trade unions, and the main contractors involved in the LHWP Phase II. Speaking on behalf of the participating trade unions, Seoaholimo expressed confidence that the forum would ensure fair treatment and equitable pay for all workers performing similar tasks.
“We are pleased to be part of this platform, through which we hope to ensure that employers treat and pay employees fairly, regardless of them performing the same tasks,” Seoaholimo said.
Advocate Lindiwe Sephomolo, a Labour and Industrial Relations Specialist from the Project Management Unit (PMU) under the LHDA, explained that the forum provides a structured platform for contractors and employees to engage in collective bargaining regarding employment terms and conditions.
Sephomolo emphasised that the forum was established early in the construction phase of major contracts to foster better relationships, communication, and collaboration between trade unions and contractors.
In her presentation, Sephomolo also highlighted that the forum’s constitution aligns with the Labour Act 2024, which consolidates all employment and labour laws in Lesotho. The Act, which took effect on April 2, 2024, replaced the Labour Code Order of 1992 and aims to modernise and strengthen labour protections.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Tšeliso Mokhosi, noted that the Polihali Bargaining Forum is the first of its kind to be established since the Labour Act 2024 was passed by Parliament. Mokhosi emphasised that the Act is designed to promote collective bargaining and provide clear frameworks for negotiations between employers and trade unions.
The signing of the Bargaining Forum Constitution took place at the new LHDA Operations Centre at Polihali in Mokhotlong last week. The event was attended by key stakeholders, including the district administrator, area chief, and deputy secretaries from various ministries, among others.
Development Journalist specialising in the reporting of social, economic, and environmental issues. He analyses the impact of policies and programs on communities, along with other factors that influence community well-being. In addition to his journalism endeavors, he is an accomplished photojournalist, capturing compelling images that complement his narratives. Masoabi is also an audio storytelling podcaster, having earned certification from the Knight Centre for Journalism, affiliated with the University of Texas, United States.
