TALGWU STRESSES COOPERATION WITH GOVERNMENT IN RESOLVING WORKERS’ DISPUTES

By Carlos Claudio, Dodoma.

The Tanzania Local Government Workers’ Union (TALGWU) has said it has no conflict or disagreement with the Government, stressing that it continues to work closely with the Government to ensure workers’ rights and interests are addressed on time and in accordance with the laws and procedures of the country.

The statement was made by TALGWU Chairman Festo Mbakilwa during the union’s General Workers’ Meeting held in Dodoma, which, among other issues, included the election of new union leaders.

Mbakilwa said strong cooperation between the Government and TALGWU is important in addressing challenges facing workers, noting that the best way to protect workers’ rights is for the parties involved to sit together and engage in dialogue to find productive solutions.

“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,” Mbakilwa said.

He said the Government has been cooperating well with TALGWU in ensuring that challenges and issues concerning workers’ rights are addressed quickly and effectively.

Meanwhile, Mbakilwa urged TALGWU members to exercise their democratic right by electing competent, honest and capable leaders who can lead the union for the benefit of its members, the Government and the union as a whole.

He said the elections should be conducted in accordance with democratic principles and procedures outlined in the union’s constitution, warning that the use of improper methods could lead to conflicts and other challenges within the union.

“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.

Mbakilwa added that elections based on fairness, equality and democracy are essential for securing leaders capable of effectively protecting workers’ interests.

“If you use the wrong approach, it will create challenges that could have negative consequences for the union and the Government as a whole,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of resolving workers’ disputes and challenges through dialogue and negotiations instead of resorting to legal action in every situation.

According to Mbakilwa, sitting together and discussing issues can help produce fair and productive solutions for all parties, while the improper use of legal procedures could worsen problems instead of resolving them.

“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 further urged members to continue building a culture of cooperation and creating an environment in which every member feels that they are an important part of the union.

For his part, TALGWU Secretary Audax Stephano said the union conducts leadership elections every five years, while the General Meeting is held annually in accordance with the union’s constitution.

He said the annual meeting also provides an opportunity for the union to present various reports, including financial statements on income and expenditure, as well as other matters concerning the development and administration of the union.

Stephano commended the Government for its efforts to ensure that workers receive their rights and have a conducive environment in which to perform their duties.

He said the election process was progressing well and expressed confidence that it would continue to uphold fairness, equality and democratic principles.

“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,” Stephano said.