TUCTA pushes for progressive changes in labour laws

DODOMA: THE Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA) has submitted nine proposals to the Parliamentary Committee on Social Welfare and Community Development regarding amendments to the 2024 Labour Laws Amendment All roads lead to Dodoma Bill, among others, extension of unpaid leave from the proposed 30 days to at least five years.

The trade union also suggested that if a mother gives birth to a premature baby, she should be granted time to care for the baby until the child completes 40 weeks instead of the 36 weeks proposed in the amendments.

Speaking to journalists on Friday in Dodoma after presenting the recommendations to the committee, TUCTA President Tumaini Nyamhokya (pictured) said that extending the duration of leave without pay would accommodate workers who need time for leadership or academic pursuits.

“This will help an employee requesting for unpaid leave for reasons such as pursuing leadership roles within labour unions to serve and later return to their employer for reassignment,” Nyamhokya said.

TUCTA also proposed that an employee hired as trainee should undergo training for no more than 12 months before being employed as fulltime worker, instead of the 24 months suggested in the bill.

The bill proposes that in cases of emergencies or disasters, the employer and employee should mutually agree on how to address the issue.

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However, TUCTA recommends that if a trade union exists, the employer should consult the union to ensure the protection of workers’ rights and interests, particularly regarding employment security and wages,” Nyamhokya added.

He also said that TUCTA suggests maintaining the current compensation structure for workers who are terminated without proper procedures or valid reasons. According to the existing law, such workers should be compensated based on their salaries, unlike the proposed amendments, which cap compensation at 12 months’ salary.

“The current proposals could result in unrealistic compensations and give employers more power to terminate workers without following due process. This would undermine the purpose of the Government Notice No. 42 of 2007, which sets standards for fair labour practices.

He said TUCTA urges that labour dispute resolution bodies, which have been effective, should continue to provide appropriate compensation in line with the current law.

TUCTA also suggested that during negotiations on collective bargaining agreements in public institutions, if the agreement is submitted to the relevant ministry’s Permanent Secretary, it should be finalised within 60 days instead of having no time limit, as proposed in the current bill.

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Nyamhokya further proposed that the trade union authorised to negotiate with the employer during the formation of workers’ councils should be the union recognised by the employer, as stipulated in the current law and one that is registered and has members in that specific workplace.

Nyamhokya further commented on the bill’s proposal to remove the term “Sunday” from the interpretation of “basic wage.” TUCTA argued that the term should remain due to its long-standing tradition and if there is a need to include the term “rest day,” it should be added without affecting the term “Sunday.”