By The Respondents reporter
DODOMA, Tanzania, Sept. 17 — Tanzania's Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office responsible for Labour, Employment and Relations, Deus Clement Sangu, has urged the Local Government Workers' Union of Tanzania (TALGWU) to conduct its national election in accordance with its constitution, democratic principles and standards of fairness, transparency and equality.
Sangu made the remarks on Thursday while opening TALGWU's national electoral general meeting at St. Gaspar Hall in Dodoma, stressing that the election should strengthen unity and solidarity among members rather than create divisions.
“The election 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 any one individual,” Sangu said.
He said the government recognised and respected the independence of trade unions and would continue working with them through collective bargaining mechanisms to address workers' challenges and matters affecting their interests.
TALGWU national chairman Tumaini Peter Nyamhokya said the union's leadership was committed to ensuring the election was conducted peacefully and smoothly.
He also pledged continued cooperation between TALGWU and the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA).
“We thank your office for standing with us during the regional elections, which were completed safely and peacefully. I assure you, Minister Sangu, that the national election will also conclude well,” Nyamhokya said.
The national meeting brings together TALGWU members to elect the union's leadership while providing an opportunity for the organisation to reinforce its internal democratic processes and unity.