MINISTER of State, Prime Minister's Office (Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disability) Ridhiwani Kikwete, has directed local government authorities' directors to settle pending leave allowances for employees, some of which have been unpaid since 2018.

He also pledged to consult sectoral ministers to address eight key issues raised by the Tanzania Local Government Workers’ Union (TALGWU), including concerns over healthcare professionals being required to pay annual licensing fees.

Speaking at the opening of the TALGWU General Council meeting in Dodoma yesterday, Kikwete noted that the government has acknowledged these concerns and instructed directors to strengthen revenue collection within their councils to enable the payment of salary and leave arrears.

“Leave is a legal right for employees, and the government recognises that some councils have limited revenue sources. Despite government efforts to provide grants, some areas still require further emphasis. While working toward a permanent solution, I urge all employers to ensure timely payment of leave allowances,” he stated.

Additionally, Kikwete directed council directors to pay duty allowances, particularly for ward executive officers, who have reportedly gone unpaid for eight months.

“This implementation should begin immediately. The government will not tolerate the denial of employees’ rights. I also remind directors and officials responsible for staff transfers to ensure transfers are based on budget availability, adhering to the existing guidelines,” he emphasised.

He further instructed all employers to revitalise workers' councils, warning that the government would not condone non-compliance with legal requirements.

Regarding the mistreatment of public servants, Kikwete condemned the practice of publicly announcing terminations and disclosing reasons, stating that it denies employees their dignity and rights.

“This behaviour is demeaning and intrusive. Even when an employee is terminated, the announcement should not mark the end of addressing the individual’s issue. Remember, every employee has the right to seek legal redress, including in court,” he warned, urging employers to cease this practice immediately.

The minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to improve workers' welfare, including raising the pension calculation rate to 40 percent.

Tumaini Nyamhokya, TALGWU National Chairperson and President of the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA), commended the government for addressing public service workers’ grievances, such as reducing instances of workplace harassment.

He acknowledged progress, including the transfer of employees’ salaries from local council revenues to the central government fund and addressing issues related to promotions and claims.

TALGWU Secretary General Rashid Mtima outlined eight key issues, including the delayed payment of transfer, leave, and duty allowances; incomplete implementation of the Public Employees Performance Management Information System (PEPMIS); structural challenges in staffing and promotions; failure to establish workers’ councils; and delays in resolving labor disputes through the Public Service Commission.

He urged the government to allocate leave allowances in the national budget to ensure timely payment. Mtima also suggested that healthcare workers’ license fees be covered by the government to avoid using these fees as criteria for promotions.

He noted that healthcare workers, including nurses, pharmacists, and radiology experts, are charged license fees despite not engaging in private practice and serving the public.