Workers reflect on gains

SINGIDA: AS Tanzanian workers commemorate International Workers’ Day today, the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA) has called for a moment of serious reflection on their contributions and the rewards of their hard work.

Speaking exclusively to the ‘Daily News’ TUCTA President Mr Tumaini Nyamhokya urged all workers to participate in spirit, whether by marching in Singida during the national celebrations to be graced by President Samia Suluhu Hassan or observing from afar.

He said that today offers an opportunity to acknowledge achievements, but the fight for equitable working conditions, particularly in the private sector, remains a continuous and pressing endeav- our.

A shadow of concern hangs over the private sector, where stagnant wages and delayed promotions paint a different picture compared to the public sector.

“Promotions and salary reviews in the private sector take too long, if they happen at all,” Mr Nyamhokya said.

He added that TUCTA’s determination is to keep dia- logue with employers alive and push for fair compensa- tion that aligns with the in- creasing cost of living.

The government has taken steps to address this disparity.

In May 2022, Zanzibar raised the minimum wage for public sector employees, and in March 2023, the mainland government announced a new minimum wage for the private sector, the first revision in twelve years.

The new regulations, ef fective from January 1, 2023, set minimum wage bench marks across 13 sectors, providing a baseline for fair compensation.

For public servants, strides in welfare are visible. TUCTA acknowledges significant government efforts, including notable salary increments fol lowing promotions.

“Employees elevated to new job grades have re ceived an average sal ary increment of between 200,000/- and 300,000/-. When promotions are implemented like this, employees don’t bother pushing for a 20,000/- or 50,000/- rise,’’ Mr Nyam hokya said.

He added, “This com mitment has significantly reduced salary disputes within the public service. Extending similar improve ments to the private sector would foster a more equi table society for all Tanza nians.”

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Reflecting on past May Day celebrations, Mr Nyamhokya lauded Presi dent Samia’s administration for its proactive approach to addressing long-standing workers’ grievances.

“The President has done a lot, including tackling is sues that were previously considered impossible to solve,” he said, promising that these achievements would be discussed during today’s events, including a specific message tailored for the nation’s workforce.

This year, TUCTA has prioritised several critical Day transcends a single day of commemoration. areas, with particular atten tion given to the welfare of retirees.

Mr Nyamhokya pointed to the recent increase in the minimum pension payout from 100,000/- to 150,000/- as a direct response to infla tion and the escalating cost of living.

He also mentioned the progressive extension of maternity leave benefits, now including mothers of premature babies.

“Many positive chang es have been made and all of this will be discussed today,” he assured, while acknowledging that only a selection of issues would be specifically addressed during the main event.

Mr Nyamhokya said that workers’ welfare should not be a seasonal concern, but a daily com mitment, encompassing respect, fair treatment and professional dignity, urg ing support from all labour stakeholders.

He also stated the sig nificance of President Samia’s address, saying, “Today is the President’s day to speak directly to workers.”

Nevertheless, Mr Nyamhokya said that May “The key point is that May Day opens a new chapter for continuing the fight for workers’ rights and welfare. It’s not just one day, we are in offices year round following up and resolving various workers’ challenges.

Today is simply a day of reflection, to look at what we have achieved, what remains and how to continue advocating for progress,” he said.

While the national cel ebrations unfold at Bom badia Grounds in Singida, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa expressed satis faction with the prepara tions.

Following a briefing and inspection yesterday, he commended the coordi nating committee and urged them to finalise the remain ing arrangements.

Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Of fice (Labour, Youths, Employment and Persons with Disabilities), Ridhi wani Kikwete, assured that preparations were largely complete and the stage was set to welcome President Samia for today’s celebra tions.