By Mary Kadoke , The Guardian
THE government introduces pioneering changes to maternity leave policies for civil servants, specifically targeting mothers of premature infants, marking a significant step towards strengthening maternal and child healthcare.
In a momentous announcement delivered at the International Labour Day commemoration in Arusha on May 1, 2024, Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango heralded transformative changes to maternity leave policies.
Expounding on the amendments, he delineated how leave entitlements for mothers of preterm babies will now be recalibrated, ensuring that special care periods for infants do not diminish maternity leave entitlements, but instead commence only after doctors ascertain the end of the child's special care.
Furthermore, he revealed that affected employees would be granted the flexibility to leave their workplaces at 1:30 p.m. for a six-month duration following the conclusion of their maternity leave, facilitating ample breastfeeding opportunities.
"In recognizing the paramount importance of safeguarding the rights of mothers and premature infants, the government is poised to amend employment laws under Chapter 366, redefining maternity leave to commence upon the completion of the special care period for preterm infants, as validated by medical professionals," he declared, underscoring the government's unwavering commitment to upholding international labor standards.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa emphasized the significance of Labor Day as a moment for introspection and evaluation of workers' struggles and triumphs, hailing it as a beacon to acknowledge their pivotal role in driving economic, political, and social progress.
"As workers around the globe commemorate International Labour Day, they not only reflect on past achievements but also strategize for the upcoming fiscal year, ensuring that the forthcoming budget addresses the prevailing challenges," he remarked, urging workers to harness their collective strength in tackling existing obstacles.
The Premier said that their role as workers is to ensure that they discuss and strategize on their working performance for us to solve the existing challenges.
Hery Mkunda, secretary general of the Tanzania Union of Government and Health Employees (TUGHE) said the union has plenty of expectations from the government.
He said that the major issues as they commemorate the day is salary increments, expressing the feeling that Vice President would provide them with good news. “Provide us with good news today.”
He further said that another expectation form workers were wishing to hear about promotions and new job openings.
Deogratius Ndejembi, Minister of State Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Employment, Youth and Persons with Disability) he said President Samia Suluhu Hassan has significantly improved Tanzanians’ quality of life during the past three years. She has pushed to lower poverty, strengthen the nation’s infrastructure and expand access to healthcare and education. Because of her initiatives, Tanzania now has one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa.
“This progress has been partly fuelled by Dr Samia’s dedication in different reforms over the past three years.Most significantly, she has managed to keep the Tanzanian people’s support a necessary component for sustained economic growth,” he said.
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