International Workers’ Day 2017 marked in Tanzania

The President of the United Republic of Tanzania graced the May Day celebrations in Moshi, Tanzania on 01 May 2017. Dr. John Pombe Magufuli revealed that the government envisages merging several pension schemes into two financially robust schemes to trim down operational costs. This will also tackle the issue of discrepancies in calculating terminal benefits for retirees.

“ Plans are also underway to establish an insurance fund to cater for monthly payments to workers losing their jobs before the retirement age...”

He assured the workers who flocked the grounds that the bill for enactment of the fund is soon to be tabled at the Parliament. The President reiterated to the workers the government’s intention to continue improving workers welfare and settling all of their outstanding arrears. He also revealed that the Government will soon resume new recruitments and promotions and effect annual salary increments as the cleansing of ghost and unqualified workers has been done successfully.

“… the county’s transformation efforts to an industrial economy and middle income country, is targeted at creation of more jobs and improvement of employees welfare…52,000 new job vacancies are already available in the public sector in the coming fiscal year...” he emphasized.

He urged all employers to allow for the establishment of workers councils and workers to join trade unions of their choice at their workplaces emphasizing that,

“… the principle of tripartism is not only key to national economic development but also guarantees harmony and peace in the labour market.. “.

He hailed the ILO for supporting the Government an various areas including social protection, youth employment, and labour laws, and confirmed that the Government is already working on ratification of two conventions related marine labour and will be tabled at the Parliament soon.

On his part the TUCTA Secretary General, Dr. Yahya Msigwa requested the Government to reduce taxes paid by workers to enable them meet their day to day family demands. He urged the Government to ensure that local and foreign investors respect local employees as required by the national laws. This should be considered in terms of remuneration, working conditions, equal employment opportunities etc. He hailed Government’s efforts to restore discipline among public servants, saying that his association would not tolerate corruption, laziness, and lack of integrity among workers.

The Director ILO country Office for Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, Dr. Mary Kawar, commended the Tanzania Government, workers and employers for their great efforts in making Decent work a reality especially in improving working conditions for workers and in creating new jobs.

“…We commend all of you, for the long term objectives under vision 2025 and the FYDP II for Tanzania to attain middle income status, with the plan focusing on economic transformations through industrialization and human development and which also includes access to Decent Work...” she added.

She mentioned some of the areas which the Government is working on, in collaboration with the ILO, including – upgrading informal apprenticeships, reforming social protection, ensuring workers’ access to HIV/AIDS prevention measures, and reviewing the national employment policy.

The 3rd ILO’s Decent Work Country Program, 2017-2021 aims to contribute towards the reduction of poverty through inclusive growth and decent employment. Its priorities are to create employment and increase employability, enhance social protection, strengthen social dialogue and promote the fundamental principles and rights at work.