The Tanzania Local Government Workers’ Union (TALGWU) has stressed the importance of continued cooperation and dialogue with the Government in resolving workers’ grievances and safeguarding their rights.
TALGWU Chairman Festo Mbakilwa said the union has no conflict with the Government, describing the relationship as one based on cooperation and dialogue to address workers’ concerns in accordance with the law.
Mr Mbakilwa made the remarks in Dodoma during the union’s General Workers’ Meeting, which also featured the election of new union leaders.
He said constructive engagement between the union and the Government remained critical to addressing challenges facing workers, arguing that dialogue was often more effective than confrontation or unnecessary legal battles.
“We have no conflict with the Government; we are cooperating with the Government. There is nothing better than protecting workers’ rights by sitting at the table and discussing,” Mr Mbakilwa said.
He commended the Government for its cooperation with TALGWU, saying the approach had helped ensure that workers’ concerns were addressed promptly and through established procedures.
Mr Mbakilwa also urged union members to elect leaders based on competence, integrity and commitment to workers’ interests.
He cautioned members against using improper methods during the election process, saying adherence to democratic principles and the union’s constitution would help prevent divisions and strengthen the organisation.
“When you go to elect your leaders, choose them in the right way and not the wrong way. The right approach will bring you a good leader who will help the union and the Government,” he said.
He said fairness, equality and democracy were essential in producing leaders capable of effectively representing workers and strengthening the union.
Mr Mbakilwa further called on members to prioritise dialogue and negotiations when addressing workplace disputes, rather than immediately resorting to legal action.
He said sitting down to discuss grievances could help the parties reach practical and mutually acceptable solutions, while unnecessary legal battles could sometimes complicate disputes.
“There is nothing better than protecting workers’ rights by sitting at the table. If you want to rely on the law every time, one day the law may embarrass you, because you may eventually encounter a law with serious consequences,” he said.
He urged members to promote unity and cooperation within TALGWU and create an environment where every member feels valued and represented.
TALGWU Secretary Audax Stephano said the union holds leadership elections every five years, while its General Workers’ Meeting is convened annually in accordance with the union’s constitution.
He said the annual meeting also gives members an opportunity to receive and scrutinise reports on the union’s operations, including financial statements covering income and expenditure.
Mr Stephano commended the Government for creating an environment that enables workers to exercise their rights and perform their duties.
He said the election process was progressing well and expressed confidence that it would continue to adhere to principles of fairness, equality and democracy.
“We commend the Government for supporting workers. They have been working freely and in accordance with the procedures in place in the country. The process is progressing well, and I believe fairness and democracy will be upheld,” Mr Stephano said.