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

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

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.