Interview with Samwel G. Madulanga

1.) What are the recent labour law? The most recent act is the Employment and Labour Relation act in 2004. There have also been adjustments to some of the laws, including good practices, Labour Institution Act, last but not least the Rules of 2007,

2.) What criterion's are used in order to come up with the laws?

• The bills in the parliament (proposal)
• Draft law accepted by president
• Regulations made by minister
• Youth development also made by minister

3.) What are the biggest difficulties of coming up with a law? The parliament members have different views, so it's hard to finalize the law. Also when a law is rejected it's very hard to investigate further into the law to make additional changes. It is also hard to satisfy the needs of the people, whom the laws are directed to.

4.) Is the average Tanzanian aware of their labour rights, and laws? It's hard to say whether the average Tanzanian knows his/her rights, because there are many factors that each individual has, which affects their understanding. Tanzanian citizen can either come from a rural or urban background and this affects their education, the urban being more aware, and rural less aware. Their understanding of the labour laws is also affected by lack of awareness, or accessibility to media.  

5.) What is the worker does not agree with the terms and conditions of the law? If this situation occurs then there is no agreement. Both the employer, and employee have to comply. For example every worker has to have a minimum of 28 days for holiday per year, and every worker and employer has to follow this. A worker cannot ask for more days, unless the employer decides it.

6.) How many people are involved in the making of the law? There are many people that are involved in the making of the law. All members of  the parliament are involved, because Tanzania is a democratic country, therefore all the members represent us.

7.) Do all the parties have to agree to the law, in order to actually enforce it? It's usually a majority's vote, the votes consist of different political parties. In order to get a bill passed, you have to get many people's attention.

8.)When there is a new law, how is it advertised? Usually media is the main source of advertisement, things such as TV, radio, social media's etc... Also a particular minister will make sure that the law is well known, and there are also palinary discussions. It's also lawyers responsibility to raise awareness to people. The Act's are also sold in different places, and sold for a cheap price, so that it is affordable to a wide range of people.

9.)How do you make sure that the employer is actually following the laws? There is something called Trade Unions, which is something different types of job's have. Once the Trade Union is put into action, it provides education to the employer and the employee. The Trade Union educates about topics such as rights, responsibilities etc..

10.) What are the 5 most important labour laws?

• Employment and Labour Relation Act
• Labour Institution Act
• Social Security
• Income Tax Act
• Constitution Act