The effectiveness of trade union in improving employees working conditions in Tanzania: a case of Tanzania teachers union in Ilala Dar es salaam

This study assessed the effectiveness of trade unions in improving employees working conditions in Tanzania, the case being Tanzania Teachers Union. Specifically, the aim was to examine the extent to which through the efforts of Tanzania Teachers Union, salary, fringe benefits, management transparency and employers’ responsiveness lead to better working conditions for the teachers. In order to achieve this, purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 60 respondents which was selected in four public secondary and primary schools in Dar es Salaam City. Questionnaires and documentary review were used in data collection and descriptive approach was employed in the data analysis. The study found that 78% of the respondents were not happy with the efforts of TTU in the improvements of their working conditions. It was revealed by the respondents that working and living conditions are not attractive to the majority of teachers. This implies that TTU is ineffective in ensuring that teachers are getting whatever is conferred to them on time Respondents mentioned problems faced by teachers. These problems included on time payment of arrears and salary and grades adjustment. For this reason as depicted in the finding of the study, 48 teachers of the total sample who were interviewed are looking for other professions with better salary, working and living conditions and other fringe benefits in case the opportunities are available.