Employers have been urged to strengthen cooperation with workers’ unions to improve labour relations, enhance productivity and create a more conducive working environment.
Morogoro Regional Commissioner Adam Kigoma Malima made the call yesterday while opening the General Conference of the Tanzania Dock Workers’ Union (DOWUTA) in Morogoro.
Mr Malima said effective cooperation between employers and workers was essential in balancing employees’ rights with their responsibilities and ensuring institutions achieve their targets.
He said trade unions had evolved beyond demanding workers’ rights and were increasingly encouraging their members to fulfil their obligations, an approach he said could contribute to greater productivity and fairness at workplaces.
“There must be cooperation from all sides. Employers should reward workers fairly, while workers must also fulfil their responsibilities so that better results can be achieved,” Mr Malima said.
The regional commissioner urged employers and trade union leaders to establish effective communication channels to address grievances early and prevent disputes that could affect productivity.
He said open dialogue was particularly important in sectors such as ports, where the smooth performance of workers has a direct bearing on the movement of goods and the wider economy.
Mr Malima also cautioned DOWUTA leaders against allowing the union to be used by politicians or activists, urging them to remain focused on the interests of workers and the members they represent.
He stressed that despite increasing automation and the use of modern technology in ports, human resources would continue to play an important role in port operations.
“Every port in the world needs dock workers, regardless of the level of machinery and modern technology being used,” he said.
His remarks come as Tanzania continues to modernise its port infrastructure and expand the role of the maritime sector in supporting trade and economic activity.
DOWUTA Chairman Mwalami Manyara said the union’s responsibility was not only to defend workers’ rights but also to protect legitimate interests of employers and contribute to national development.
“You cannot demand rights without fulfilling your responsibilities. DOWUTA has a duty to defend workers’ rights, protect employers’ rights and support the Government in the process of leasing its ports,” Mr Manyara said.
He said constructive engagement among workers, employers and the Government was necessary to ensure changes in the port sector benefit workers while improving efficiency and supporting Tanzania’s economic interests.
The DOWUTA conference provides a platform for workers’ representatives and other stakeholders to discuss labour rights, workplace relations and the future of Tanzania’s maritime workforce.
