The Journalists Workers Union of Tanzania (JOWUTA) has officially joined the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA), marking a significant milestone for media professionals in the country.
The announcement was made today during the national Labour Day celebrations held at Bombadia Grounds in Singida, where President Samia Suluhu Hassan was the guest of honor.
Speaking at the event, President Samia also delivered good news to public servants, declaring a 35.1 percent increase in the minimum wage from Tsh 370,000 to Tsh 500,000 effective July 1, 2025.
The recognition of JOWUTA as a TUCTA member was announced by TUCTA Secretary General, Henry Nkunda, while presenting the workers’ statement before the President.
He also confirmed the admission of two other unions: the Tanzania Union of Private Security Employees (TUPSE) and the Tanzania Industrial Services Workers Union (TASIWU).
“With the addition of these three, TUCTA now comprises 16 member trade unions,” said Nkunda. “TUCTA received applications from nine unions. Following discussions by our General Council, JOWUTA, TUPSE, and TASIWU met the requirements and have now officially joined. We are still reviewing the other applications as part of our commitment to building unity among workers.”
TUCTA President Tumaini Nyamuhokya congratulated JOWUTA and urged the new member unions to maintain strong cooperation with the federation for the benefit of all workers.
“I have long hoped to see JOWUTA complete the process and become part of TUCTA so we can work together to support the media sector,” he said.
JOWUTA National Chairperson Mussa Juma welcomed the announcement with enthusiasm, stating that the union was committed to complying with TUCTA’s rules and actively contributing to resolving challenges facing media practitioners.
“We are grateful for being accepted as a member of TUCTA after a long application process,” said Juma.
“We believe that with TUCTA’s experience in addressing labor matters, media workers will now begin to benefit more significantly.”
JOWUTA Secretary Selemani Msuya added that the union’s admission into TUCTA is a clear indication of its dedication to championing the rights of its members. He called on members to pay their dues on time and encouraged other journalists to join JOWUTA.
“This is excellent news for us,” said Msuya. “I urge our members to stay committed by paying their dues, and I encourage more journalists to join so we can unite and fight for our collective interests.”
In her address, President Samia emphasized the importance of trade unions in driving national development and urged them to uphold labor laws as they carry out their responsibilities.
She said the decision to increase public sector wages followed signs of economic recovery, including increased national productivity.
“Our economy has grown from 4.6 percent in 2024 to 5.5 percent this year, which has made it possible for us to revise the salary structure,” she said.
Regarding the private sector, the President noted that the process for wage adjustments is ongoing through the Wages Board.
President Samia’s announcement was met with loud cheers and celebrations from thousands of workers in attendance.
Meanwhile, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office for Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disability, Ridhiwani Kikwete, reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to upholding tripartite cooperation between the government, employers, and employees to ensure all parties benefit fairly.