Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE government has launched a national tripartite initiative aimed at fostering dialogue between the government, employers and workers to resolve labour disputes and enhance workplace relations.
A national tripartite labour relations committee includes representatives from the government, employers’ organizations and trade unions, also known as organized labour, often chaired by the Labour portfolio minister.
It draws members appointed from nominations from the social partners to discuss wages (like minimum wage), policy and labour standards, ensuring balanced input from all three groups,n ILO brochure assets.
Deus Sangu, the Employment, Labour and Relations state minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) officiated at the launch at midweek, described the committee as a pillar in promoting a labour relations system that respects the rights, responsibilities and interests of all stakeholders.
“This committee provides a strategic platform to build trust, encourage open communication, improve productivity, promote innovation, ensure fair competition to prevent or resolve labour disputes through dialogue,” he stated.
The committee will play a key role in strengthening cooperation between the government, employers, workers and the wider community, he said, noting that its work will be guided by employment and labour laws, the Public Service Act and international labour standards set by the International Labour Organization (ILO) which the country has ratified.
Its responsibilities reflect principles of the constitution, particularly ensuring safe, fair and inclusive workplaces fostering participation in social and economic decision-making, he said, while veteran unionist Said Wamba, the presidential representative of the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA) and secretary general for CHODAWU, grouping workers in the conservation, hotels, domestic work and consultancy fields welcomed the move, expressing the view that it would help promote peace, stability and efficiency in workplaces.
Similarly, Suzanne Ndomba, CEO at the Tanzania Employers’ Association (ATE), said the committee is an important forum for discussing emerging opportunities and challenges in the labour sector, ensuring timely solutions that benefit employees, employers and the nation.
This approach will enable the employment sector to achieve its objectives and meet the expectations of all stakeholders as collaboration is key to sustainable industrial relations, she said.
The launch of the committee underscores the government’s commitment to creating a harmonious, productive and fair work environment, where dialogue and cooperation form the foundation of effective labour management, she added.
