MANYARA Regional Commissioner, Queen Sendiga, has appealed to private sector employers in the region to immediately provide employment contracts to their workers instead of waiting for government inspections that could begin at any time.

The move comes in response to ongoing complaints from workers about lack of formal contracts and other employment rights.  In her speech during the regional observance of International Workers’ Day in Babati District yesterday, Sendiga said that denying workers contracts is a serious violation of their rights.

"From today onwards, all private sector employers in industries, hotels, tourism, retail and domestic work are prohibited from having employees without contracts," she said.

The RC further emphasized the importance of compliance with labour laws, stating that her office has been receiving numerous complaints from workers regarding denial of contracts and other benefits. As part of the initiative, she instructed Regional Administrative Secretary Maryam Muhaji to conduct a thorough inspection of all departments and workplaces in the region to ensure that employees have valid contracts as required by law.

Sendiga also stressed that employers must ensure that employees are treated fairly when contracts are terminated, ensuring their rights are upheld throughout their employment. Furthermore, she condemned employers who prevent workers from joining trade unions, which is a fundamental right for organizing and negotiating better conditions.

Juma Makanyaga, Secretary of the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA) in Manyara, acknowledged the significant challenges faced by private sector workers, particularly the denial of employment contracts. He also pointed out other issues such as low wages, restrictions on union membership and the denial of leave benefits. "Private sector employees have long been deprived of their employment rights," he noted.

He also praised the government’s recent decision to increase pension contributions for the private sector from 33 percent to 35 percent while raising public sector pension contributions to 40 percent.

In a related comment, Anna Mbogo, Babati District Council Executive Director, emphasized that employees must be given all their entitlements, including annual leave as per the law.