About TANZANIA UNION OF INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL WORKERS

Trade Union movement in Tanzania has experienced different political and economical environments. Politically it operated during the colonial time and after independence.  There was a time when it operated freely and times when the ruling political party engulfed it to the extent that it lost most of its freedom and integrity.  For example between 1964 and 1978 NUTA (the former National Centre was an affiliate of Tanganyika African national Union (TANU) the Ruling Party by then. Between 1979 and 1991 JUWATA which was the National centre was again one of the mass organizations of the ruling party (CCM).

These different experiences affected not only the structure of trade union but also contributed to formation of entire trade union behavior and attitudes.

 Trade Unions have always been forced by circumstantial events to shape themselves to suit the socio-economic developments prevailing at that time.  Now when the country is liberalizing the economy, Trade Union are facing the emerging challenges brought by the new changes.

In year 1996 eleven (11) free trade unions were formed, and they were all affiliated to the Organization of Tanzania Trade Union (OTTU). In the year 2000 a total of 11 free Trade Unions were all affiliated to the current national centre that is Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA)

TUICO as an independent democratic workers union is currently operating under new environment dominated by the free market economy.  The union organizes members from Industries, Commercial, Finance Institutions, Consultancy and Services. TUICO started to operate as an independent union in January, 1996.

TUICO was registered on 11^th September, 2000 following enactment of Trade Union Act No.10 of 1998, as it was repealed and replaced by The Employment and Labor Relations Act No 6 0f 2004, and duly issued a certificate of Registration No.001.  TUICO is an affiliate of Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA).

Our Vision

TUICO envisage being strong and democratic Trade Union which provides high quality services to its members.

Our Mission

TUICO is committed to provide high quality services that satisfy the identified needs of TUICO’s membership through:

• Building capacity of TUICO leaders at all levels.

• Effectively educating members to understand new Labor Laws and how to use the established Institutions.

• Sensitizing TUICO members on their rights and responsibilities.

• Promoting proactive democratic Trade Union that is for social justice in the country.

• Preparing TUICO members to acquire capacity to cope with retirement, retrenchment and illness shocks.

Creating a sustainable Trade Union which is financially sound

Our Objectives

In order to safeguard workers rights and conditions at work so as to attain better living conditions to its members and workers in general TUICO strives:-

• To protect and champion for workers’ rights and to ensure that benefits, health, safety and working environment are improved and maintained.

• To bargain with employers in order to maintain harmonious labour relations at work place.

• To establish and monitor the implementation of Voluntary Agreements, Awards, Staff Rules and any other Labour Laws applicable in the country.

• To cooperate and exchange expertise and experience with other Trade Unions within the country and Global Unions with intent to obtain, preserve and to disseminate information or education on specific issues relating to Trade Union.

• To represents workers in labour disputes and to provide legal advice

• To ensure that workers council and forums are established at workplaces..

• To empower youth and women and workers with disabilities so that they can effectively participate in decision making at the workplaces.

• To cooperate with government and stakeholders in ensuring that labor laws and policies are protecting workers interests.

• To make sure that all ILO Conventions ratified by Tanzania are adhered to.

Contacs:

General Secretary

Postal Address

P.O.BOX 5680

DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA

HEAD OFFICE

TEL: (0) 22 2866910 / 2866960

FAX: +255 (0) 22 2866911

EMAIL: tuico2004@yahoo.com

Twitter: @tuicotz