A number of strikes have taken place recently at polishing factories in Botswana – one of them at Dalumi Botswana. Although their purpose is unclear, the strikes are being viewed by some as ‘union muscle-flexing.’

The Dalumi strike reportedly lasted only a few hours, but other work stoppages at DTC Sightholder-owned facilities were longer. A spokesperson for one of the companies, who asked to remain anonymous, told IDEX Online that they were unsure what the purpose was, as no specific demands were made by the unions.

At some of the plants, the unions complained about a system that awards a polisher a bonus if he or she exceeds a certain production quota. It is unclear why the unions are opposed to this system, which is a typical practice in most of the rest of the world.

Another issue that has been raised of late in the country’s polishing factories is strip searching. Botswana’s The Mmegi said that journalists at a press meeting in Gaborone had queried government ministers on reports that employees at some diamond companies are occasionally strip searched to ensure they have not taken any diamonds.

The commissioner of labor, Sisi Seemule, commented that the government was unaware of the reports and would investigate them, and added that it is permitted for companies to search employees, as long as it is done in a decent manner.