The Secretary General of the Tanzania Trade Union Congress (TUCTA), Cde. Hery Mkunda, has called on employers across the country to grant employees full freedom to join trade unions, saying such a move is essential for strengthening industrial harmony and ensuring sustainable growth in workplaces.
Mkunda made the remarks on Thursday, June 25, 2026, in Dar es Salaam while speaking on behalf of TUCTA during the 67th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE).
The meeting brought together key stakeholders in the labour sector, with the Guest of Honour being the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Hon. Deus Sangu (MP).
He emphasized that strong workplace relations depend on cooperation, mutual respect, and recognition of trade unions as development partners rather than adversaries.
He urged employers to actively promote participatory approaches in workplaces, allowing workers and their representatives to engage in dialogue and contribute to decisions affecting their welfare and productivity.
Mkunda noted that denying employees the right to freely join trade unions weakens trust, limits communication, and can lead to avoidable disputes.
He added that structured dialogue between employers and workers helps resolve conflicts early, improves efficiency, and creates a stable working environment that benefits both sides.
He further called for greater adoption of social dialogue mechanisms, stating that countries and institutions that embrace tripartite cooperation between government, employers, and workers tend to achieve stronger economic stability and better labour outcomes.
The TUCTA Secretary General also commended ATE for consistently organizing its annual general meetings and for ensuring the inclusion of key stakeholders, including trade unions through TUCTA and government representatives.
He said this inclusiveness reflects a mature and progressive labour relations system in the country.
The 67th ATE Annual General Meeting is being held under a theme focused on strengthening social protection and business sustainability through strategic cooperation, simplified regulatory frameworks, and enhanced coordination among labour market actors.
Participants at the meeting underscored the importance of maintaining a balanced labour environment that protects both workers’ rights and employers’ competitiveness, stressing that sustainable economic growth depends on cooperation, trust, and stability in workplaces across the country.
