THE Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA) has applauded efforts made by President Samia Suluhu Hassan in improving workers’ welfare, especially in offering salary increments and other incentives.
The applause comes a week after the commemoration of the International Workers ‘ Day, which was held at the national level at the Jamhuri Stadium in Morogoro Region.
TUCTA Deputy General Secretary Mr Said Wamba told journalists in Dar es Salaam yesterday that in her two years of leadership President Samia Suluhu Hassan has made efforts to improve workers’ welfare.
He said the announcement she made on salary scales for private sector brought new hope to workers.
“For the first time last year, the government announced new salary scales after more than eight years,” he said.
He also added that, on May 1, 2022 (International Labour Day), the government announced that it would raise the minimum wage by 23.3 per cent, including revising the public servants’ salaries to the delight of many workers in the country, a pledge that materialised in the 2022/2023 financial year.
Moreover, he said TUCTA will continue to closely work with the government to ensure the increment for the minimum wage touches every worker in the country.
In particular, he said this year’s celebrations have become a great success for the workers following President Samia’s announcement of a number of incentives to public servants, including the reinstatement of the mandatory annual salary increment, promotions and workers’ allowances’ rise.
“In general, the government has, to a great extent, listened to our concerns …this is a good start for us and the government … we will continue to remind the government on various challenges facing workers,” he pointed out.
He also urged workers in the country to work hard and efficiently so that TUCTA can have justification in demanding salary increment.
In a related development, TUCTA commended the government for its readiness to open doors for discussion with leaders of the trade union as part of efforts to address their challenges.
Mr Wamba noted that, after this year’s celebration, TUCTA plans to hold discussions with government executives from various ministries to discuss various issues, including remuneration and income tax matters both in public and private sectors.
“We have tabled the matter to the government, requesting it review the income tax system along with its laws in order to reduce the burden to the workers because the increment offered by the government will not be meaningful if the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) continues to be high,” he added.