What Trade Union Congress of Tanzania demands ahead of May Day 2024

Dar es Salaam. It may be about three months until Labour Day 2024, but the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (Tucta) is already reiterating its call for equitable treatment and structural reforms for workers across various economic sectors to enhance the working environment.

In an exclusive interview with The Citizen, the Secretary General of Tucta, Mr Hery Mkunda, stressed pressing issues demanding immediate attention.

Reflecting on past advocacy efforts during Labour Day celebrations, Mr Mkunda emphasised the urgency of addressing challenges without waiting for May Day.

While acknowledging government initiatives to tackle certain issues raised by Tucta in previous years, including the disbursement of outstanding debts to employees and salary increments for public servants, he stressed the need for ongoing action to ensure comprehensive reform.

Another thing is the salary increase for public servants, where a special board has already been created to monitor and come up with recommendations on how much should be the minimum wage order for the private sector in order to save the workers of that sector.

“If this is completed, we will have made a lot of progress because the government is supposed to check the wage order every three years, but there was a time when it stayed up to seven years until we raised our voice,” he said.

A primary concern highlighted by Tucta is the disparity between public and private sector workers in their contributions to the national insurance scheme.

Mr Mkunda noted the importance of equal treatment, stating, “The current system favours public sector employees, who continue to enjoy National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) services post-retirement, while their counterparts in the private sector face uncertainties.”

Addressing this inequity is crucial to ensuring fairness and parity among contributors, according to Tucta.

Moreover, Tucta brought attention to structural deficiencies in employment frameworks, particularly in sectors such as the judiciary and healthcare, where Mr Mkunda stressed the need for recognition and benefits for all employees, irrespective of their roles.

“Supportive staff in courts and non-medical personnel in health facilities deserve acknowledgment and benefits commensurate with their responsibilities,” he asserted, emphasising the necessity of structural reforms to promote inclusivity and professional growth.

The issue of contract employment emerged as another focal point for Tucta, with Mr Mkunda advocating for expedited transitions to permanent positions. He called for robust human resource planning by the government to facilitate the timely absorption of interns and volunteers into the workforce.

“Workers should not languish in precarious employment situations without access to their rightful benefits. Proactive measures are essential to safeguard workers’ rights and ensure stability in employment.”

Despite government efforts to settle outstanding dues owed to terminated employees, Tucta remains vigilant about the slow pace of disbursements. Mr Mkunda called for a timely settlement to alleviate the financial burdens faced by affected individuals.

“Timely settlement of debts is crucial to mitigate hardships faced by workers awaiting overdue payments,” he said.

Promotional policies and maternity benefits also feature prominently on Tucta’s agenda. Mr Mkunda highlighted the challenges faced by women in the workforce, advocating for extended maternity leave to accommodate diverse needs and foster gender equality.

Furthermore, Tucta raised concerns about the mandatory licencing system for nursing graduates, imposing financial burdens on professionals. He called for employer accountability in assuming responsibility for licencing fees.

He stated, “Education and qualifications should suffice without imposing additional financial obligations on employees.”

Experts in labour rights echoed Tucta’s sentiments, emphasising the urgency of addressing systemic inequalities and enhancing worker protections.

A labour economist from the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), Dr Fatma Ali, stressed to The Citizen in a phone interview the need for comprehensive reforms to uphold workers’ dignity and promote social justice.

“Equitable treatment and structural reforms are essential to safeguard workers’ rights and foster inclusive economic growth,” she affirmed.

As Labour Day approaches, Tucta’s advocacy underscores the imperative of collective action to address prevailing challenges and advance the interests of Tanzanian workers, according to Dr Ali.