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Dar factory labourers stage protest
2006-07-20 09:11:49
By Michael Haonga
Some 140 casual workers at Twiga Cement Company downed tools yesterday and paralysed operations at the firm protesting what they said were poor terms of employment.
Among many grievances they wanted Hoageys (T) Ltd – a company sub-contracted by TCC – to address were under-remuneration, blatant violation of labour laws, unpaid over-time claims, lack of work safety gears, poor diet and medical cover in the event of an accident.
The industrial action drew in the Dar es Salaam Trade Union of Industrial and Commercial Institutions Organisation (TUICO) officials led by Regional Secretary Jones Majura, who persuaded the workers to resume work after brief consultations with their leaders and the management.
After meeting the Hoageys (T) Ltd management, Majura convinced the striking employees to resume work pending a decision that would be worked out with the management.
The workers, most of them casual, told Majura that they are paid 54,000/- per month in two instalments of 20,000 every fortnight, with the balance coming at the end of the month.
They also said they had thrice sought a meeting with the management to address their grievances in vain.
In response to their demand for a meeting, they said, the management surprised them with a notice requiring them to apply afresh for the same positions before July 21 this year.
Majura agreed with the irate workers that the pay structure had contravened labour laws, which provide that casual workers be paid on a daily basis.
Thereafter he convinced the workers to resume work pending a solution that both sides would be comfortable with.Hoageys (T) Ltd management promised the trade union leaders that it would strive for a better and agreeable solution.
Hoageys (T) Ltd project manager Japheth Mwijarubi said some of the demands raised by the workers were not realistic.
He admitted, however, that the workers are paid a total of 54,000 per month that comes in two instalments
He said that, in addition to wages, the company also provides free meals and medical care.
Twiga Cement executive director Gideon Nasari said the industrial action would not affect supply of the building material as the firm had 1,300 bags of cement in store at the Ubungo deport and another 1,000 back stocked at the Harbour depot, both in Dar es Salaam.
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