Welcome to the Employers Forum, an online platform meticulously designed to provide employers with comprehensive information on Labour Laws and Practices within the United Republic of Tanzania. This Forum is tailored to address the challenges frequently encountered by employers in labour administration, keeping abreast of the evolving landscape of labour laws and practices.
The Evolution of Labour Laws in the Past Decade
The current labour regime embarked on its journey in 2004 with the enactment of new legislation by the Parliament of URT. The cornerstone laws were The Employment and Labour Relations Act, No.6 of 2004, and The Labour Institutions Act, No.7 of 2004. It was a meticulous three-year process to establish the institutional frameworks necessary for the laws’ implementation. In 2007, with the operational mechanisms in place, the current labour regime took its course. Thus, we have seen a decade of practical application of the current labour laws. This period has been a learning curve for employers; those who embraced the challenges emerged wiser, while those who disregarded the new laws found themselves in difficult situations.
Impact of the New Labour Regime on Employers
The introduction of the new labour regime has brought about significant impacts on employers, including:
– Increased awareness among employees regarding compliance with labour laws.
– Instances of strikes and demonstrations by workers.
– A rise in the number of registered labour disputes at CMA and the Labour Court.
– Greater involvement of Trade Unions in the workplace.
– Enhanced government interventions, compelling employers to comply with labour laws.
Offences and Penalties for Non-Compliance
The challenges arising from the new labour regime have, to a large extent, affected employers more than employees. Despite a decade of the laws being in effect, many employers continue to make similar mistakes, facing penalties in various labour-related issues.
Challenges Faced by Employers
Employers encounter numerous challenges in the application and administration of the new labour laws, including:
– Lack of expertise in operating labour laws and understanding their role in the workplace. Personnel dealing with employment matters often lack the necessary knowledge and skills concerning current labour laws and practices.
– Outdated perceptions of the employer’s role in relation to employees. Employers should view employees as partners in serving the public, fostering collaboration rather than a master-servant dynamic.
– Limited knowledge of the evolving landscape of labour relations. Employers often fail to stay updated with labour developments until issues arise in the workplace. Just as the law evolves, so does its interpretation and application in labour matters.
– Insufficient guidance on handling labour issues with employees before they escalate to referral bodies. Employers often act without proper advice or rely on inexperienced sources when dealing with labour matters.
Employer’s Forum: Your Labour Solution Partner
The Employer’s Forum is equipped with a dedicated team possessing profound knowledge and skills in labour issues related to employer-employee relationships. Our goal is to prevent unnecessary labour disputes and promote effective labour management, ultimately enhancing productivity within organizations.
Interactive Platform
This Forum is open to all employers willing to share knowledge and discuss challenges in labour law administration. Our moderators will regularly share:
– Articles on Labour Laws
– Decided Cases on Labour Laws
– Questions and Answers
– Labour Laws Updates
– Labour Advice
We extend a warm welcome to all employers who wish to engage in the Employers Forum and contribute to the enriching discussions.
Yours sincerely,
Isaack Zake, Esq.
Director of Legal and Public Relations – TAACIME
Isaack Zake, an Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania, is deeply passionate about labour and Human Resource Management matters. With extensive experience as a labour law practitioner at institutions such as FIBUCA Trade Union, Commission for Mediation and Arbitration, the Labour Court of Tanzania, and the Labour Office at the Ministry of Labour Affairs, Mr. Isaack is also the founder of www.ulizasheria.co.tz.
For more information, please contact 0713 888 040 or email info@taacime.co.tz.