TUCTA urges media to champion workers’ compensation awareness
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA) has urged journalists across the country to use their profession as ambassadors in educating the public on the rights and services provided by the Workers Compensation Fund (WCF), stressing that the media plays a vital role in disseminating information to society.
The call was made by TUCTA President, Tumaini Nyamhokya, while opening a training session for members of the Journalists Working Union of Tanzania (JOWUTA) held in Dar es Salaam and sponsored by the Workers Compensation Fund (WCF).
Nyamhokya said journalists occupy a unique position as a bridge between social security institutions and the public, noting that the knowledge gained through the training would enable them to report accurately and educate society on workers’ rights.
He said the training would help journalists gain a deeper understanding of the services and benefits offered by WCF, including medical treatment, temporary and permanent disability compensation, dependents’ benefits, rehabilitation services and funeral assistance for workers injured while on duty.
“Media is an important bridge in delivering education to the public. We rely on them to become ambassadors in educating workers and employers on the importance of WCF,” said Nyamhokya.
He further urged WCF to continue collaborating with trade unions and stakeholders in the media sector to expand awareness of compensation systems and ensure more workers benefit from the services.
Speaking at the event, JOWUTA Chairperson, Mussa Juma, said the training forms part of efforts to strengthen journalists’ understanding of labour rights and social protection in workplaces.
He noted that many journalists are still working without formal contracts, a situation that denies them some basic employment rights, adding that the training would help bring positive change within the media industry.
Meanwhile, WCF Head of Public Relations, Laura Kunenge, said the fund is committed to continuing public education programmes for various groups of workers, particularly those in the media sector, to ensure they gain proper understanding of the compensation system and how to access it in the event of workplace accidents or injuries.
She added that WCF will continue working closely with workers’ institutions and media organisations to ensure compensation education reaches more workers across the country, including those in the informal sector or sectors facing contractual challenges.
