Examining the Role of Trade Unions in Solving Employee Problems in Tanzania

Abstract

This study examines the role of trade unions in solving employee’s problem in Tanzania. Workers’ performance in Tanzania seems to face some challenges while there are organs such Trade Unions, which can be used as means to improve workers’ performance in Tanzania. Simple random and purposive sampling procedures were used to get a total number of 75 out of 100respondents from two distinct trade unions of C.W.T, TUGHE, and TALGWU. Data were collected through documentary reviews, questionnaires, and interviews. Data analysis was based on quantitative analysis presented in form of tables and percentages. The findings showed that trade unions have not played their role to solve employees’ problems as well as preserving the rights of workers. Besides existence of trade unions, workers were still complaining due to different problems in their working places. The study revealed that if employees’ problems could be solved, there will be a satisfactory working environment, which will strengthen working and employment relationships. Therefore, underperformance of trade unions leads to employees’ dissatisfaction, which further leads to high absenteeism rate and workers’ turnover. The study recommended that the government should reform a free and independent strong regulatory framework of employment and labour relations acts so as to increase independent functioning of trade unions. However, workers should ensure effective and efficient measures in elections and appointment of committed leaders to all trade unions in Tanzania. The leaders should stand firm to defend their members’ to employers. This will result in good working performance and satisfaction to employees.