Unions told to strengthen democracy, social dialogue
DODOMA: THE government has directed trade unions across the country to strengthen internal democracy, accelerate the signing of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and promote social dialogue to safeguard workers’ rights while enhancing workplace productivity.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations), Dr Eveline Munisi, made the call on Wednesday, while opening the Seventh General Conference of the Trade Union of Industrial and Commercial Workers (TUICO) in Iringa Region.
The conference brought together delegates from 22 regions of Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar to review the union’s performance over the past five years, chart its strategic direction for the next five years and elect national leaders to steer the organisation during the new term.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Munisi said democracy, transparency and accountability form the foundation of strong trade union leadership, urging newly elected leaders to serve all members without discrimination.
“Democracy is the cornerstone of trade union governance. Once elections are over, divisions should end so that leaders can serve all members in unity,” she said.
She urged union leaders to uphold the Constitution and laws governing trade unions, manage union resources transparently and promote solidarity to enable TUICO to fulfil its mandate effectively.
Dr Munisi also congratulated TUICO on marking 30 years since its establishment in 1995, saying its achievements over the past three decades reflect the union’s resilience and contribution to the country’s labour sector.
She further called on the union to intensify efforts to ensure more workers benefit from collective bargaining agreements, describing them as an essential tool for improving working conditions and employees’ welfare.
“I urge TUICO to speed up the negotiation and signing of collective bargaining agreements that respond to the needs of workers in today’s evolving workplace,” she said.
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The deputy minister said the government would continue strengthening the tripartite social dialogue framework involving the government, employers and workers, describing it as the cornerstone of harmonious industrial relations and the peaceful resolution of labour disputes through dialogue rather than confrontation.
She said the government is also improving the working environment in line with advances in science and technology, enhancing workers’ skills and enforcing labour laws, including the Employment and Labour Relations Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the 2025 Private Sector Minimum Wage Order.
Dr Munisi called on employers and employees to continue working together to improve productivity and competitiveness, stressing that both are partners in national development.
“Employers are not enemies of workers; they are key partners in the country’s economic development,” she said.
On workers’ rights, Dr Munisi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting employees’ freedom to join trade unions in accordance with the Constitution and national laws.
She added that the Office of the Labour Commissioner would continue taking action against employers found violating workers’ rights.
Meanwhile, TUICO Acting Chairperson Abdalah Msese said the union has recorded remarkable growth over the past three decades, with membership increasing from 32,000 to nearly 150,000. He said TUICO has expanded its representation from two sectors to four and established offices in 22 regions across the country.
