Government: Domestic workers deserve equal treatment

Singida. As Tanzania prepares to mark International Workers’ Day on May 1, the government has reminded employers of domestic workers to uphold their rights and ensure they are not subjected to discrimination.

Speaking yesterday during the launch of an occupational health and safety training for domestic workers drawn from across the country, the Director of the Commission for Mediation and Arbitration (CMA), Mr Usekelege Mpulla, said all workers—regardless of where they are employed—are protected under the law.

He said Section 7 of the Employment and Labour Relations Act prohibits any form of workplace discrimination, a provision that includes domestic workers.

“There is no clause in the law that excludes any category of workers,” said Mr Mpulla. 

“I am directing all employers, particularly those who hire domestic workers, to treat them equally. These workers are entitled to the same rights as any other employee, including those working in offices.”

He emphasised that homes are the official workplaces for domestic staff and should therefore offer a safe and respectful environment. 

He also urged male domestic workers to participate in awareness initiatives and familiarise themselves with their rights.

“These training sessions are intended to empower domestic workers to recognise and claim their rights. However, I urge them to maintain professionalism and avoid behaviours that might reinforce negative stereotypes,” Mr Mpulla added.

On her part, the Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for East Africa, Ms Caroline Mugala, said countries in the East African Community—including Tanzania—are in the final stages of ratifying Convention No. 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers.

She said the ILO has supported some EAC countries in signing bilateral agreements with nations that host migrant domestic workers to ensure their rights are protected and that the recruitment process is conducted legally.

“Domestic workers make a vital contribution to economic development and household welfare,” Ms Mugala said. “Personally, I could not do my job without my domestic worker’s support. We must safeguard their rights and ensure their workplaces are safe and dignified.”

Ms Mugala called on domestic workers to report challenges through their unions for timely intervention.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA), Ms Rehema Ludanga, reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to ensuring the ratification of Convention 189. She said TUCTA continues to work closely with stakeholders to ensure all categories of workers are protected.

“We do not discriminate. We recognise and value domestic workers, which is why we’ve established wage guidelines based on hourly, daily, and monthly rates, according to the nature of their work,” said Ms Ludanga.

She urged trainees to become ambassadors of change. “Use this knowledge to conduct yourselves professionally and in accordance with the law. The world is changing, and we must adapt.”

For her part, the Chairperson of the Domestic Workers’ Union of Tanzania, Ms Zanini Athuman, said while domestic workers carry immense responsibilities, including looking after employers’ homes in their absence, many are still denied their rights.

“Personally, I had to go to the CMA after I became pregnant and my employer dismissed me unlawfully. I was denied my 84-day maternity leave, which is a right under the law,” said Ms Athuman.