The Teachers’ Rights Protection Association in Tanzania (CHAKUWAHATA) has urged the government to issue clear directives to employers, particularly council directors, to ensure teachers are granted the freedom to join workers’ unions of their choice without restrictions.
The call was made in Dodoma by Member of Parliament and Deputy Secretary General of the association, Abisias Lutandika, during a National Executive Committee meeting convened to discuss various issues affecting the organisation and the welfare of teachers.
Lutandika said that although the association has made notable progress since its establishment, several challenges remain that undermine efforts to protect and promote teachers’ rights in the workplace.
He emphasized that the right of workers to join unions is a fundamental labour right that must be respected and protected by all employers.
According to him, some employers have been obstructing the registration of union members by delaying or failing to implement the deduction of union fees from teachers’ salaries, even after teachers have fulfilled all legal requirements.
He noted that such actions discourage teachers from exercising their right to join unions and weaken the ability of organisations like CHAKUWAHATA to represent their members effectively.
Lutandika further explained that some local government authorities have also failed to involve CHAKUWAHATA in workers’ councils, thereby denying its members representation in discussions and decisions affecting their working conditions.
Other concerns raised by the association include the transfer of union leader teachers without clear or valid reasons, delays in the payment of transfer allowances and cases of illegal double deductions of union fees from some teachers’ salaries.
The association also expressed concern over reports that some of its members have been excluded from participating in International Workers’ Day (May Day) celebrations.
According to Lutandika, some members have reportedly been removed from processions when they attempted to take part in the celebrations, an action he described as discriminatory and contrary to the principles of fairness and equality in the workplace.
He warned that such practices could discourage teachers from joining the association and undermine efforts to strengthen workers’ representation.
To address these challenges, CHAKUWAHATA has proposed that workers’ unions be integrated into the Electronic Public Service System (ESS), a move that would enable teachers and other public servants to join or leave unions directly through the digital platform without interference from employers.
Lutandika said the proposed system would enhance transparency, reduce complaints from workers and simplify the entire process of union membership management.
“This system will reduce inconveniences and complaints from workers and enhance transparency in the entire process,” he said.
Earlier, while opening the meeting, Assistant Director of Social Affairs in the President’s Office, Mwanaamani Juma Mtoo, acknowledged the important role played by workers’ unions in protecting employees’ rights and improving workplace conditions.
She said the government recognises the concerns raised by workers’ organisations and is committed to addressing the challenges they face as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen labour relations in the public service.
Mtoo noted that the government is already implementing various measures aimed at improving working conditions and ensuring that workers’ rights are respected across the country.
“We recognise the contribution of workers’ unions in protecting employees’ rights. The government will continue to work with you to ensure existing challenges are resolved,” she said.
Members of the association’s National Executive Committee also expressed hope that the government will take swift action to remove the barriers that hinder teachers from freely choosing and joining the unions they prefer.
Reports presented during the meeting indicated that since its establishment, CHAKUWAHATA began with 182 members from Kigoma/Ujiji Municipality but has since expanded to various councils across the country.
The association has already conducted leadership elections in 84 districts and plans to organise elections in 44 additional districts that have met the constitutional requirements.
According to the association, the expansion reflects growing interest among teachers seeking stronger representation and protection of their professional and labour rights, despite the challenges the organisation continues to face.
