Labour Minister Deus Clement Sangu has urged leaders and members of the Tanzania Local Government Workers’ Union (TALGWU) to use their national election to strengthen unity rather than create divisions that could undermine the union’s ability to represent workers.
Mr Sangu said yesterday that although elections naturally create competition among candidates, the process should remain anchored in the union’s constitution, democracy, transparency, fairness, equality and peace.
He said the real test would be whether candidates and their supporters could work together after the results are announced, regardless of who wins the various positions.
“Elections should not be a source of division, but an opportunity to strengthen unity and solidarity. After the results are announced, all leaders and members should continue working together, recognising that TALGWU is bigger than an individual,” Mr Sangu said.
He made the remarks in Dodoma when he opened TALGWU’s National Elective General Meeting at St Gaspar Hall.
The minister said a united union was important in ensuring that workers’ concerns were effectively presented and addressed through established labour relations mechanisms.
He said the Government respected the independence of trade unions and would continue working with them through collective bargaining to address workers’ challenges and matters concerning their welfare.
“The Government recognises and respects the independence of trade unions and will continue cooperating with them through collective bargaining in addressing challenges and issues affecting workers’ interests,” Mr Sangu said.
His remarks come as TALGWU brings together its members to elect a new national leadership, following the successful completion of regional-level elections.
TALGWU national chairman Tumaini Peter Nyamhokya said the union had put measures in place to ensure the national election was conducted peacefully, building on the experience of the regional elections.
He thanked the Prime Minister’s Office for its support during the regional elections, saying the union was confident that the national exercise would also be completed without disruption.
“We thank your office for standing with us during the regional elections, which were completed safely and peacefully. I assure you, Mr Sangu, that the national election will also end well,” Mr Nyamhokya said.
He also reaffirmed TALGWU’s commitment to working with the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA), stressing the importance of cooperation in advancing workers’ interests.
For TALGWU members, the election is not only about choosing new leaders but also about determining how the union will organise itself to engage the Government and employers on issues affecting workers in local government authorities.
The outcome is therefore expected to shape the union’s priorities and approach to labour relations in the coming years.