Dock Work Convention, 1973 (No. 137) - United Republic of Tanzania (Ratification: 1983)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

Articles 3 and 4 of the Convention. Registered dockworkers and strength of the registers. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the process of modernization of the country's main ports carried out by the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), to transform them into facilities capable of handling larger vessels, including the Dar es Salaam maritime gateway programme (DMGP). The Government adds that the modernization also concerns the ports of Mtwara, Tanga and Kigoma. It indicates that consultations are held regularly with the Dock Workers Union of Tanzania (DOWUTA) on the requirements of the Convention and on health and safety matters. With regard to the manner in which dockworkers are guaranteed engagement for dock work, the Government indicates that each dockworker has a licence, commonly known as a take on, which dockworkers present for employment. The employment of workers is recorded in a “labour utilization sheet” kept by the port's human resources department. The Committee observes, however, that the Government’s report does not contain information concerning the total number of licensed dockworkers, permanent or casual, the possible repercussions of the modernization of ports mentioned by the Government on the number of dockworkers, and possible measures to prevent or minimize detrimental effects in the event of a reduction in their numbers. Therefore, while inviting the Government to continue to provide information on the process of modernization of ports in the country and its impact on the employment and conditions of work of dockworkers, the Committee also requests the Government to provide up-to-date information on the number of dockworkers, permanent or casual, by port or in the country, the manner in which those holding a licence are guaranteed priority of engagement for dock work, any changes in the number of dockworkers and any measures taken to prevent or minimize detrimental effects in the event of a reduction in their numbers.

Article 6. Vocational training, safety, health and welfare of dockworkers.In view of the reported modernization of the port infrastructure, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the safety, health, welfare and vocational training provisions applicable to dockworkers, as required by this Article. It requests the Government to indicate, for example, the extent to which it is ensured that dockworkers receive appropriate training in modern handling techniques.

Application of the Convention in practice.The Committee requests the Government to provide information on how the Convention is applied in practice, including, for example, relevant extracts from reports and statistical data on the number of dockworkers and any variations.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 3 of the Convention. Registered dockworkers. Application of the Convention in practice. The Government indicates in its report that it continues to undertake a number of measures aimed at improving the efficiency of work in ports. The measures adopted include institutional governance reforms of the Tanzania Ports Authority; the expansion of the ports of Dar es Salaam, Mtwara, Tanga and Kigoma; the improvement of port processes and logistics, including in the areas of cargo handling and safety; and fighting practices of corruption. The Government adds that these measures are being undertaken in collaboration and consultation with various stakeholders, including the Dock Workers Union of Tanzania (DOWUTA). The Committee requests the Government to provide more detailed information on the results of the measures adopted to improve the efficiency of work in ports. It also requests the Government to provide up-to-date information on the manner in which the Convention is applied, including extracts from reports, particulars of the numbers of registered dockworkers and of variations in their numbers during the period covered by the next report.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

Article 3 of the Convention. Registered dockworkers. Application of the Convention in practice. The Government indicates in its report that it continues to undertake a number of measures aimed at improving the efficiency of work in ports. The measures adopted include institutional governance reforms of the Tanzania Ports Authority; the expansion of the ports of Dar es Salaam, Mtwara, Tanga and Kigoma; the improvement of port processes and logistics, including in the areas of cargo handling and safety; and fighting practices of corruption. The Government adds that these measures are being undertaken in collaboration and consultation with various stakeholders, including the Dock Workers Union of Tanzania (DOWUTA). The Committee requests the Government to provide more detailed information on the results of the measures adopted to improve the efficiency of work in ports. It also requests the Government to provide up-to-date information on the manner in which the Convention is applied, including extracts from reports, particulars of the numbers of registered dockworkers and of variations in their numbers during the period covered by the next report.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

The Committee notes the Government’s report received in September 2013 in which it indicates that the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) has consistently expressed its commitment to work together with the Dock Workers Union of Tanzania (DOWUTA) and other stakeholders on the welfare of dockworkers and port reforms (Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention). The Committee also notes that the TPA has been supporting dockworkers to acquire knowledge and skills through different courses at the Bandari College and other local institutions. The Government indicates that 78 dockworkers are registered with the TPA, all on permanent and pensionable terms of employment. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report information on the results achieved at the tripartite level in improving the efficiency of work in ports. It also invites the Government to continue to provide updated information on the numbers of dockworkers and variations in their numbers during the period covered by the next report (Part V of the report form).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2012, published 102nd ILC session (2013)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 2008 direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

The Committee notes the replies provided by the Government in November 2007 with regard to its 2005 direct request, including details of the workforce of the Tanzania Port Authority which has a total of 238 dockworkers, 144 permanent and pensionable dockworkers and 94 on three-month renewable contracts. The Authority has also a labour pool for casual dockworkers who are deployed to cover surges in traffic. The Government further indicates that dockworkers are given due consideration when restructuring is envisaged. The Committee refers to its 2005 direct request, and asks the Government to include in its next report specific information on the measures taken, in cooperation with the social partners concerned, to minimize detrimental effects on dockworkers of measures taken when restructuring or privatizing (Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention). It also asks the Government to include information on the number of dockworkers maintained in the registers by the Tanzania Port Authority and on the results achieved at the tripartite level in improving the efficiency of work in ports (Part V of the report form).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

The Committee notes the replies provided by the Government in November 2007 with regard to its 2005 direct request, including details of the workforce of the Tanzania Port Authority which has a total of 238 dockworkers, 144 permanent and pensionable dockworkers and 94 on three-month renewable contracts. The Authority has also a labour pool for casual dockworkers who are deployed to cover surges in traffic. The Government further indicates that dockworkers are given due consideration when restructuring is envisaged. The Committee refers to its 2005 direct request, and asks the Government to include in its next report specific information on the measures taken, in cooperation with the social partners concerned, to minimize detrimental effects on dockworkers of measures taken when restructuring or privatizing (Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention). It also asks the Government to include information on the number of dockworkers maintained in the registers by the Tanzania Port Authority and on the results achieved at the tripartite level in improving the efficiency of work in ports (Part V of the report form).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

1. The Committee notes the brief replies provided by the Government in May 2005 to its previous comments indicating that the dockworkers in the Tanzania Port Authority are permanent employees. Few registered casual dockers are employed on a daily pay basis and in some small local ports casual dockers are not registered and their payments are calculated according to work done. The Government also indicates that, despite the national port industry dockworkers being permanently employed, they are affected by retrenchments due to uneven privatization practices of port activities. The Committee recalls that measures should be instituted in order to prevent or minimize detrimental effects on dockworkers when a reduction in the strength of a register becomes necessary and asks the Government to report in detail on any steps taken, in cooperation with the social partners concerned, in order to minimize detrimental effects on dockworkers of privatization (Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention).

2. The Committee would appreciate receiving a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied in the United Republic of Tanzania, including, for instance, extracts from reports of the Tanzania Port Authority and particulars of the numbers of dockworkers on the registers maintained in accordance with the Convention and of variations in their numbers during the period covered by the report (Part V of the report form).

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

1. The Committee notes with regret that no report has been received from the Government since 1992 on the situation of dockworkers. This is of particular concern as the Government had indicated that the number of dockworkers was likely to be affected by the introduction of high-technology facilities. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination at its next session and that it will contain full information on the following matters.

2. Article 3, paragraphs 2 and 3, of the Convention. Please indicate the manner in which registered dockworkers are assured priority of engagement for dock work and are required to make themselves available for work. Please also provide particulars of the numbers of dockworkers (including those in Zanzibar) on the registers maintained in accordance with this Article and of variations in their numbers during the period covered by the report, in accordance with Part V of the report form.

3. Article 4. Please describe in detail the measures instituted to prevent or minimize detrimental effects on dockworkers of a reduction in the strength of registers, and the criteria and procedures laid down for the implementation of these measures.

4. Article 5. Please state whether any measures have been taken to encourage further cooperation between employers or their organizations, on the one hand, and workers’ organizations, on the other hand, in improving the efficiency of work in ports.

[The Government is asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2005.]

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

The Committee notes with regret that no report has been received from the Government since 1992 on the situation of dockworkers. This is of particular concern as the Government had earlier indicated that the number of dockworkers was likely to be affected by the introduction of high-technology facilities. The Committee hopes that a report will be supplied for examination at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its direct request of 1993, which read as follows:

Article 3, paragraphs 2 and 3, of the Convention. The Committee notes, in particular, statistical information concerning occupational categories of registered dockworkers. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate, in its next report, the manner in which registered dockworkers are assured priority of engagement for dock work and are required to make themselves available for work. It also asks the Government to continue to provide particulars of the numbers of dockworkers (including those in Zanzibar) on the registers maintained in accordance with this Article and of variations in their numbers during the period covered by the report, in accordance with Part V of the report form.

Article 4. The Government indicates that the number of dockworkers will be undoubtedly affected as a result of the introduction of high technology facilities. It states that the review of the registers is conducted in such a way that the needs of the ports are met and detrimental effects on dockworkers through redundancies, lay-offs, etc., are minimized. Please describe in more detail the measures instituted to prevent or minimize detrimental effects on dockworkers of a reduction in the strength of registers, and the criteria and procedures laid down for the implementation of these measures.

Article 5. The Committee takes note of the information in the Government’s report concerning cooperation between employers and workers through high-level meetings (e.g. the Master Workers’ Council). Please state whether any measures have been taken to encourage further cooperation between employers or their organizations, on the one hand, and workers’ organizations, on the other hand, in improving the efficiency of work in ports.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received for the sixth consecutive year. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its direct request of 1993, which read as follows:

  Article 3, paragraphs 2 and 3, of the Convention. The Committee notes, in particular, statistical information concerning occupational categories of registered dockworkers. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate, in its next report, the manner in which registered dockworkers are assured priority of engagement for dock work and are required to make themselves available for work. It also asks the Government to continue to provide particulars of the numbers of dockworkers (including those in Zanzibar) on the registers maintained in accordance with this Article and of variations in their numbers during the period covered by the report, in accordance with Part V of the report form.

  Article 4. The Government indicates that the number of dockworkers will be undoubtedly affected as a result of the introduction of high technology facilities. It states that the review of the registers is conducted in such a way that the needs of the ports are met and detrimental effects on dockworkers through redundancies, lay-offs, etc., are minimized. Please describe in more detail the measures instituted to prevent or minimize detrimental effects on dockworkers of a reduction in the strength of registers, and the criteria and procedures laid down for the implementation of these measures.

  Article 5. The Committee takes note of the information in the Government’s report concerning cooperation between employers and workers through high-level meetings (e.g. the Master Workers’ Council). Please state whether any measures have been taken to encourage further cooperation between employers or their organizations, on the one hand, and workers’ organizations, on the other hand, in improving the efficiency of work in ports.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received for the fifth consecutive year. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its direct request of 1993, which read as follows:

  Article 3, paragraphs 2 and 3, of the Convention. The Committee notes, in particular, statistical information concerning occupational categories of registered dock workers. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate, in its next report, the manner in which registered dock workers are assured priority of engagement for dock work and are required to make themselves available for work. It also asks the Government to continue to provide particulars of the numbers of dock workers (including those in Zanzibar) on the registers maintained in accordance with this Article and of variations in their numbers during the period covered by the report, in accordance with Part V of the report form.

  Article 4. The Government indicates that the number of dock workers will be undoubtedly affected as a result of the introduction of high technology facilities. It states that the review of the registers is conducted in such a way that the needs of the ports are met and detrimental effects on dock workers through redundancies, lay-offs, etc., are minimized. Please describe in more detail the measures instituted to prevent or minimize detrimental effects on dock workers of a reduction in the strength of registers, and the criteria and procedures laid down for the implementation of these measures.

  Article 5. The Committee takes note of the information in the Government’s report concerning cooperation between employers and workers through high-level meetings (e.g. the Master Workers’ Council). Please state whether any measures have been taken to encourage further cooperation between employers or their organizations, on the one hand, and workers’ organizations, on the other hand, in improving the efficiency of work in ports.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received for the fourth consecutive year. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

  Article 3, paragraphs 2 and 3, of the Convention.  The Committee notes, in particular, statistical information concerning occupational categories of registered dock workers. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate, in its next report, the manner in which registered dock workers are assured priority of engagement for dock work and are required to make themselves available for work. It also asks the Government to continue to provide particulars of the numbers of dock workers (including those in Zanzibar) on the registers maintained in accordance with this Article and of variations in their numbers during the period covered by the report, in accordance with Part V of the report form.

  Article 4.  The Government indicates that the number of dock workers will be undoubtedly affected as a result of the introduction of high technology facilities. It states that the review of the registers is conducted in such a way that the needs of the ports are met and detrimental effects on dock workers through redundancies, lay-offs, etc., are minimized. Please describe in more detail the measures instituted to prevent or minimize detrimental effects on dock workers of a reduction in the strength of registers, and the criteria and procedures laid down for the implementation of these measures.

  Article 5.  The Committee takes note of the information in the Government’s report concerning cooperation between employers and workers through high-level meetings (e.g. the Master Workers’ Council). Please state whether any measures have been taken to encourage further cooperation between employers or their organizations, on the one hand, and workers’ organizations, on the other hand, in improving the efficiency of work in ports.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its direct request of 1993, which read as follows:

The Committee takes note of the information provided by the Government in reply to its earlier comments.

Article 3, paragraphs 2 and 3, of the Convention. The Committee notes, in particular, statistical information concerning occupational categories of registered dock workers. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate, in its next report, the manner in which registered dock workers are assured priority of engagement for dock work and are required to make themselves available for work. It also asks the Government to continue to provide particulars of the numbers of dock workers (including those in Zanzibar) on the registers maintained in accordance with this Article and of variations in their numbers during the period covered by the report, in accordance with point V of the report form.

Article 4. The Government indicates that the number of dock workers will be undoubtedly affected as a result of the introduction of high technology facilities. It states that the review of the registers is conducted in such a way that the needs of the ports are met and detrimental effects on dock workers through redundancies, lay-offs, etc., are minimized. Please describe in more detail the measures instituted to prevent or minimize detrimental effects on dock workers of a reduction in the strength of registers, and the criteria and procedures laid down for the implementation of these measures.

Article 5. The Committee takes note of the information in the Government's report concerning cooperation between employers and workers through high-level meetings (e.g. the Master Workers' Council). Please state whether any measures have been taken to encourage further cooperation between employers or their organizations, on the one hand, and workers' organizations, on the other hand, in improving the efficiency of work in ports.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1998, published 87th ILC session (1999)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the mattters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee takes note of the information provided by the Government in reply to its earlier comments.

Article 3, paragraphs 2 and 3, of the Convention. The Committee notes, in particular, statistical information concerning occupational categories of registered dock workers. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate, in its next report, the manner in which registered dock workers are assured priority of engagement for dock work and are required to make themselves available for work. It also asks the Government to continue to provide particulars of the numbers of dock workers (including those in Zanzibar) on the registers maintained in accordance with this Article and of variations in their numbers during the period covered by the report, in accordance with point V of the report form.

Article 4. The Government indicates that the number of dock workers will be undoubtedly affected as a result of the introduction of high technology facilities. It states that the review of the registers is conducted in such a way that the needs of the ports are met and detrimental effects on dock workers through redundancies, lay-offs, etc., are minimized. Please describe in more detail the measures instituted to prevent or minimize detrimental effects on dock workers of a reduction in the strength of registers, and the criteria and procedures laid down for the implementation of these measures.

Article 5. The Committee takes note of the information in the Government's report concerning cooperation between employers and workers through high-level meetings (e.g. the Master Workers' Council). Please state whether any measures have been taken to encourage further cooperation between employers or their organizations, on the one hand, and workers' organizations, on the other hand, in improving the efficiency of work in ports.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the following matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee takes note of the information provided by the Government in reply to its earlier comments.

Article 3, paragraphs 2 and 3, of the Convention. The Committee notes, in particular, statistical information concerning occupational categories of registered dock workers. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate, in its next report, the manner in which registered dock workers are assured priority of engagement for dock work and are required to make themselves available for work. It also asks the Government to continue to provide particulars of the numbers of dock workers (including those in Zanzibar) on the registers maintained in accordance with this Article and of variations in their numbers during the period covered by the report, in accordance with point V of the report form.

Article 4. The Government indicates that the number of dock workers will be undoubtedly affected as a result of the introduction of high technology facilities. It states that the review of the registers is conducted in such a way that the needs of the ports are met and detrimental effects on dock workers through redundancies, lay-offs, etc., are minimized. Please describe in more detail the measures instituted to prevent or minimize detrimental effects on dock workers of a reduction in the strength of registers, and the criteria and procedures laid down for the implementation of these measures.

Article 5. The Committee takes note of the information in the Government's report concerning cooperation between employers and workers through high-level meetings (e.g. the Master Workers' Council). Please state whether any measures have been taken to encourage further cooperation between employers or their organizations, on the one hand, and workers' organizations, on the other hand, in improving the efficiency of work in ports.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

The Committee takes note of the information provided by the Government in reply to its earlier comments.

Article 3, paragraphs 2 and 3, of the Convention. The Committee notes, in particular, statistical information concerning occupational categories of registered dock workers. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate, in its next report, the manner in which registered dock workers are assured priority of engagement for dock work and are required to make themselves available for work. It also asks the Government to continue to provide particulars of the numbers of dock workers (including those in Zanzibar) on the registers maintained in accordance with this Article and of variations in their numbers during the period covered by the report, in accordance with point V of the report form.

Article 4. The Government indicates that the number of dock workers will be undoubtedly affected as a result of the introduction of high technology facilities. It states that the review of the registers is conducted in such a way that the needs of the ports are met and detrimental effects on dock workers through redundancies, lay-offs, etc., are minimized. Please describe in more detail the measures instituted to prevent or minimize detrimental effects on dock workers of a reduction in the strength of registers, and the criteria and procedures laid down for the implementation of these measures.

Article 5. The Committee takes note of the information in the Government's report concerning cooperation between employers and workers through high-level meetings (e.g. the Master Workers' Council). Please state whether any measures have been taken to encourage further cooperation between employers or their organizations, on the one hand, and workers' organizations, on the other hand, in improving the efficiency of work in ports.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1991, published 78th ILC session (1991)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report in October 1990, as well as the information concerning the application of the Convention in Zanzibar supplied to the 77th Session of the Conference in June this year.

Article 3 of the Convention. It notes in particular, that different registers are maintained for all port employees, including dockworkers. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate, in its next report, whether the registers mentioned in the Government's report are maintained for various occupational categories of dockworkers. If so, please give particulars of the occupational categories covered, as well as of the numbers of dockworkers, including those in Zanzibar, on the registers and of variations in their numbers during the period covered by the report in accordance with point V of the report form.

Article 4. The Committee has noted very brief indications in the Government's report concerning the arrangements for the periodic review of the strength of registers. It would be grateful if the Government would describe in more detail the manner in which these registers are reviewed in order to reach levels adapted to the needs of the port, as well as the measures instituted to prevent or minimise detrimental effects on dockworkers when a reduction in the strength of a register becomes necessary.

Article 5. The Government indicates in its report that Tanzania Harbours Authority has taken various measures to encourage co-operation between employers and workers in improving the efficiency of the work in ports. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply more detailed information on these measures and indicate whether any such measures have been taken to encourage further co-operation and whether the competent authorities participate in the arrangements for such co-operation.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1989, published 76th ILC session (1989)

The Committee takes note of the first and second reports of the Government on the application of the Convention. It would be grateful if in its next report the Government would provide further information on the following points:

Article 3 of the Convention. Please describe the manner in which registers are established and maintained for all occupational categories of dockworkers, indicating in particular whether there is a single register or separate registers for various occupational categories. Please give particulars of the numbers of dockworkers, including those in Zanzibar, on the registers and of variations in their numbers during the period covered by the report in accordance with Point V of the report form.

Article 4. Please describe the arrangements for the periodic review of the strength of registers of dockworkers, as well as the measures instituted to prevent or minimise detrimental effects on dockworkers when a reduction in the strength of a register becomes necessary.

Article 5. Please indicate whether any measures have been taken to encourage future co-operation between employers' and workers' organisations in improving the efficiency of work in ports.

Article 6. Please provide particulars of the vocational training provisions (as mentioned in the Government's report under Convention No. 142) which apply to dockers.