Effectiveness of Tanzania trade unions on protecting employees’ rights in manufacturing industry: a case of Mwanza textile mill (2001) Limited

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate effectiveness of Tanzanian Trade Union on protecting employee’s right in manufacturing industry. Taking the case of Mwanza Textile Mill (2001) Limited, in Mwanza Region. The objectives of the study were to determine the factors affecting trade union effectiveness in MWATEX; to assess the nature of leadership of the trade union and management in MWATEX; and to assess type of stratifications and bargaining power of the trade union in MWATEX. The study sample comprised 60 respondents drawn randomly from the field. These were 3 management staff, 8 trade union leaders and 49 employees of MWATEX. Data collection methods included interviews, questionnaires, observation and documentary review. Findings revealed that lack of employees involvement, illiteracy, unfair treatment and abusive acts, corruption allegations, poor relationships, unrecognizing and the trade union distrust; were among the factors that affected the effectiveness of Tanzanian trade unions on protecting employees right. Our study recommends that there should be maximum protection of employment rights by all parties: the management, trade union (TUICO), union members at workplaces and the government.