THE Board of Directors for Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) has promised to bring on board the Dock Workers Union Tanzania (DOWUTA) representatives in tabling the Ports development plans and in addressing challenges.

The Board made this commitment in a meeting with the Union representatives from TPA Headquarters and the Port of Dar es Salaam held at TPA headquarters. The newly appointed Board under the Chairmanship of Prof. John Msambichaka expressed interest to work closely with the workers representatives.

Speaking at the meeting, Prof. Msambichaka said objective of the meeting among other things was to familiarise with the Union affairs as well as expressing the need to work with TPA workers. The Board Chairman underscored the need for workers' cooperation, solidarity and changing attitude towards ongoing port reforms to ensure efficiency of the port and its development at large.

DOWUTA requested the Board to help sorting out the contradiction between the Labour Relations Act and the Public Finance Act in executing the requirements of Voluntary Agreement between the Employer and Trade Unions.

DOWUTA proposed the inclusion of Board and Treasury representatives in negotiating the provisions of Voluntary Agreement before submitting to the Ministry of Finance for approval.