The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA), in partnership with its primary contractors and trade unions, has officially inaugurated the Polihali Bargaining Forum at its offices in Mokhotlong. This development marks a milestone in fostering constructive dialogue and addressing the challenges facing workers in the Polihali Dam project.
The launch of the Forum included the signing of its Constitution, symbolizing a collective commitment to promoting open and collaborative discussions on critical labour issues. The Forum aims to act as a structured platform for negotiation and engagement between the LHDA, contractors, and trade unions.
A Platform for Workers’ Advocacy
The Polihali Bargaining Forum is expected to focus on three main areas:
- Workers’ Wages: Addressing concerns about fair remuneration and ensuring wages align with industry standards and cost-of-living considerations.
- Health and Safety: Prioritizing the well-being of workers by improving safety measures and ensuring compliance with international occupational health standards.
- Working Conditions: Advocating for better overall conditions on-site, from housing to equitable treatment and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Addressing Recent Labour Unrest
The establishment of the Forum follows recent labour disputes and strike actions at the Polihali Dam project, highlighting the urgent need for improved labour relations. These incidents have drawn attention to workers’ dissatisfaction and underscored the necessity of a platform where grievances can be addressed constructively.
LHDA’s initiative reflects a proactive approach to ensuring the smooth continuation of the Polihali Dam project, a critical component of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). The dam is expected to significantly enhance water supply and contribute to the socio-economic development of Lesotho and South Africa.
A Step Toward Lasting Labour Harmony
Speaking at the launch, representatives from LHDA, contractors, and trade unions emphasized the importance of the Forum in fostering mutual respect and cooperation. They expressed optimism that the Forum would lead to lasting improvements in labour relations, ensuring that workers’ concerns are heard and resolved amicably.
The Polihali Bargaining Forum is set to play a pivotal role in creating a fair and balanced working environment, promoting industrial peace, and strengthening the partnerships between all stakeholders involved in the project.
As work on the Polihali Dam continues, the Forum’s success will be closely monitored as a potential model for effective labour relations in large-scale infrastructure projects.
