The Journalists Workers’ Union of Tanzania (JOWUTA) has engaged the government in talks to address long-standing challenges facing media professionals, including lack of employment contracts and poor working conditions.
The union leaders met with the Minister for Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities, Mr. Ridhiwani Kikwete, and Labour Commissioner, Ms. Suzan Mkangwa, in Dodoma on August 21. Senior officials from the ministry also attended the meeting.
Mr. Kikwete expressed concern over the plight of journalists working without formal contracts, saying the situation was unacceptable.
“I called this meeting so that we can discuss these challenges. Personally, I am aware of them, and we want to find solutions. This cannot continue,” he said.
The minister emphasized strict adherence to labour laws and warned employers against exploiting loopholes to deny workers their rights.
JOWUTA chairperson, Mr. Mussa Juma, said over 80 percent of journalists lack employment contracts, health insurance and social security coverage, with some having worked for more than 10 years in such conditions.
“We are asking the government to ensure that media employers comply with labour laws as it happens in other sectors,” he said, urging regular inspections in media houses.
Labour Commissioner Ms. Mkangwa pledged to work closely with JOWUTA but stressed the need for journalists to understand their rights.
“We can conduct inspections, but this sector faces systemic issues such as freelance correspondents, retainers and those without any contracts. During audits, employers often present only official employees’ contracts,” she explained, adding that JOWUTA could assist by providing accurate employment data.
She also promised continuous education on labour laws for journalists to safeguard their rights.
Earlier, JOWUTA Secretary General Mr. Seleman Msuya commended the government for ensuring journalists meet accreditation standards but insisted that the same energy should be directed toward improving their welfare.
Union Treasurer Ms. Lucy Ngowi said unfair dismissals and lack of proper employment terms have demoralised many journalists, affecting their performance.