The role of JUWATA in the defence of economic interests of workers: the case of three institutions.

JUWATA is the sole trade union in Tanzania representing the interests of workers. It was started by the state in 1978 for defending its interests. In the study, the interests of the state and cited as defence and implementation of policy of socialism and self reliance, raising of productivity and implementation of other policies as given by the Party and Government. The workers on the other hand, have the divergent interests aspiring; and demanding the fair share of the production through higher wages, economic incentives and better working conditions. 1t is such conflict of interests (between those of the workers on one hand and those of the employers and the state on the other), represented by JUWATA that necessitated this study. The purpose of the study was to examine the means and ways through which JUWATA could defend the economic interests of workers. It investigated on the involvement of JUWATA at its various structures in decisions and implementation of programmes on matters of economic welfare of the workers. Government policies on labour education, wage and status were examined to draw the conflicts inherent with those of the economic interests of workers. The study further investigated on the feelings of workers and JUWATA leaders towards JUWATA and its role in defending workers economic interests. The purpose, significance, hypotheses and research is covered in chapter one which also reviews the literature on JUWATA and NUTA. Chapter two traces the history design are literature and development of trade Unionism in Tanzania from the British colonial era to the formation of JUWATA in 1978. Chapter three examines the case studies for parastatal, private and service organisations and their role in defending workers economic interests under the representation of JUWATA. Chapter four discusses the policy and conflict of interest between the state and workers as regards to the economic welfare of workers. The feelings of JUWATA representatives on JUWATA and workers's trust over the leadership is discussed in Chapter five. The study revealed that the operations of JUWATA confined more to state interests have left the Union to become an instrument of state than of the workers. Findings indicate that JUWATA has not changed from its predecessor NUTA (Started in 1964) in terms of structure, organisation, objectives and strategies despite the changes in time and environment (social, economic and political). It was found out that the economic interests which were proved to be basic to workers were not met by JUWATA. This was found to be caused by the little power the Union had in terms of resources and decision making both at the work places and national level. It was revealed that the structure of JUWATA was long and bureaucratic hence impeding effective communication, resource allocation and use. It was revealed that JUWATA was divided between the branches which were controlled by the employers and Managers and the upper structures under the state hegemony. This had led to further alienation of workers from their representatives (JUWATA leaders). It was generally concluded that there was a need for JUWATA to be more of the workers instrument for defending their economic interests. It is suggested that this would facilitate the interests of the workers, State, employers and managers bringing more productivity, efficiency and harmony among the parties. Separate recommendations are given to JUWATA, government and the employers and managers on promotion and defence of workers economic interests.