President Samia Suluhu Hassan has underscored the importance of peace, unity and national cohesion, saying decent work and workers’ welfare cannot be achieved in the absence of stability in the country.
She said peace remains the cornerstone of dignity at work and a key driver of national development, calling on Tanzanians to safeguard it at all costs.
“Work cannot have dignity without peace, and there is no workers’ welfare without stability in the nation. It is our responsibility to ensure that our differences do not become a reason to endanger the foundations of peace, unity and solidarity left to us by our founding fathers. Let us stand together, work together, and build our nation and its reputation,” President Samia said.
She made the remarks on Friday, May 1, 2026, during the national climax of International Workers’ Day celebrations held in Njombe Region, which were marked under the theme “Decent Work is a Strong Pillar for Sustainable Development in the Implementation of the National Vision 2050.”
The President said every citizen has a duty to protect peace and ensure that differences in opinion, politics or background do not threaten national stability.
President Samia also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving working conditions, announcing that it has begun paying various outstanding arrears owed to workers.
She said the move is part of ongoing efforts to enhance labour welfare in both the public and private sectors, and to strengthen the principle of decent work as promoted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 8 on decent work and economic growth.
According to her, addressing long-standing arrears is aimed at easing challenges that workers have faced over the years and improving trust in the public service and labour systems.
She added that the government recognizes the critical role played by workers in driving national development, noting that improving their working environment remains a top priority.
The Workers’ Day celebrations brought together government leaders, workers’ representatives and other stakeholders, highlighting progress in labour reforms and reaffirming commitment to strengthening productivity, fairness and social protection in the workplace.
