The Labour Laws (Amendments) Act, 2025 introduces significant legislative changes to the employment framework in Tanzania, aimed at strengthening worker protections and streamlining employer-employee relations. The key highlights are as follows:
1. Enhanced Leave Entitlements for Premature Births Section 33(2) & Section 34(1)-
The Act provides for extended maternity leave where a child is born prematurely. In such cases, maternity leave will extend until the infant attains 40 weeks of gestational age. In addition, paternity leave has been increased from 3 to 7 days to allow fathers greater support during the early neonatal period.
2. Provision for Emergency Unpaid Leave – Section 31B (New):
A new provision allows employees to take up to 30 days of unpaid leave during emergencies, with a possibility for further extension upon mutual agreement with the employer. This enhances workplace flexibility and accommodates unplanned personal crises.
3. Limitation on Disciplinary Action Post-Referral – Section 37(5):
Employers are now expressly prohibited from commencing or continuing with disciplinary proceedings once a dispute has been referred to the Commission for Mediation and Arbitration (CMA) or the Labour Court. This ensures procedural fairness and prevents parallel disciplinary processes.
4. Clarified Compensation for Unfair Termination – Section 40(1)(c):
✅The amendment introduces a clear structure for compensation in cases of unfair termination:
✅A minimum of 6 months’ remuneration for procedural unfairness.
✅Up to 12 months’ remuneration for other general unfair terminations.
✅A maximum of 24 months’ remuneration in serious cases such as those involving discrimination, harassment, or violation of fundamental rights.
5. Emergency Operations Protocols – Section 15A (New):
Employers and employees are encouraged to enter into mutual agreements outlining operational procedures during emergencies (e.g., disease outbreaks or natural disasters). These agreements are meant to safeguard workplace health and business continuity.
6. Restrictions on Personal Representation Section 86A (New):
The law now limits personal representatives from appearing in mediation unless the parties mutually consent. This measure is intended to promote direct dialogue and faster dispute resolution between parties.
7. Power to Issue Awards on Admitted Claims Section 88A (New)
Arbitrators are now authorized to issue immediate awards in instances where a party has admitted liability or the facts are undisputed, expediting resolution of such claims.
8. Cap on Arbitrator’s Compensation Awards Section 40A (New):
The law places a ceiling on compensatory awards for unfair termination at 24 months’ remuneration, ensuring predictability and balancing fairness for both employers and employees