Compliance of employment and labour standards in Tanzania construction industry case study: Dar es Salaam city

The construction industry in the United Republic of Tanzania is one of the key sectors of the economy. This sector is believed to accounts for more than 50 per cents of the capital formation, 10 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) and 9 percent of employment. In Tanzania, unemployment stands at over 34%. Such a situation is forcing job seekers to work in construction sites, where the minimum wage is too low, working hours are long and there is significant noncompliance with labour standards. The goal of the research was to undertake a study of labour practices on construction sites for the purpose of highlighting the critical issues affecting compliance of employment and labour standards of the construction industry in Tanzania taking a Dar Es Salaam City as case study. Generally, 140 workers were interviewed. Data were gathered using questionnaires, interviews, observation and were analysed descriptively. The study found out that human factors makes more difficult to comply with labour standards include; lack of experience, lack of competency, low wages, poor time management, i.e. working hours, poor quality training, excessive workload, job dissatisfaction and job insecurity. Deliberate efforts must be taken to increase workforces’ compliance level by using tripartism strategy, harnessing transparency and increasing awareness on achieving excellency on construction industry.