The Tanzania Local Government Workers Union (TALGWU) has called for government action to resolve persistent challenges affecting public servants, including delays in leave and transfer allowances, professional licensing fees and difficulties with the performance management system.
Speaking today September 17, 2026 during the opening of the union’s fifth National General Election Conference, TALGWU Acting Secretary General Mr Wandiba Ngocho said addressing workers’ concerns was essential to improving public service delivery, particularly because local government employees are at the frontline of essential services.
Mr Ngocho commended the Sixth Phase Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan for measures that have improved public servants’ welfare, including staff promotions, recruitment, payment of salary arrears and other financial claims, as well as investment in public infrastructure.
He said improvements in hospitals, dispensaries, health centres, roads and communication networks had also helped employees working in remote areas perform their duties more effectively.
However, he said several challenges remained unresolved and required continued government intervention.
The union presented seven key issues to the government, including the timely payment of annual leave allowances, payment of professional practising licence fees for healthcare workers and timely settlement of transfer allowances.
Other concerns were operational challenges surrounding the Performance Management System (PEPMIS), issues related to schemes of service and re-categorisation, the effective functioning of Workers’ Councils in accordance with the law, and improvement of overall working conditions and staff motivation.
“National development depends on a motivated workforce, and improving workers’ conditions is therefore important for effective service delivery,” Mr Ngocho said.
Local government workers provide services in areas including health, education, water, agriculture, land, sanitation and community development.
Mr Ngocho said the union remained committed to dialogue with the government as a way of resolving labour disputes, protecting workers’ rights and maintaining industrial harmony.
The conference, held in accordance with the TALGWU constitution, brings together delegates from regions across Tanzania Mainland every five years to review the union’s performance, set its future direction and elect new leaders.
He said the electoral process was guided by principles of justice, equality, transparency, peace and solidarity.
The union also honoured retired leaders who contributed to its development, including Comrade Jackson Makongwa, who served as TALGWU’s first Secretary-General after its establishment.
The meeting also brought together representatives of partner trade unions in Tanzania and international labour organisations, including Public Services International (PSI) and fraternal unions from Kenya, Mozambique, Somalia, Malawi, South Africa and Zambia.
The international participation, Mr Ngocho said, provided an opportunity for unions to share experiences and strengthen workers’ representation across the region.
Opening the conference, Prime Minister’s Office Minister Deus Sangu said the government had allocated funds in the 2026/27 budget for matters requiring financial resources.
Mr Sangu also said directives had been issued requiring public employers not to transfer employees before paying their statutory transfer allowances and to clear outstanding transfer arrears.
He urged union members to maintain unity after the elections and work together with the government in advancing the country’s development agenda, including Vision 2050.
The minister officially declared the fifth TALGWU National General Election Conference open.