Workers oppose move to hire old coaches from Indian firm

The inspection was supposed to be undertaken from Dar es Salaam station to Dodoma from 12/10/2009 to 13/10/2009.

The main objective of the inspection was to look at the finer details and state of the coaches including their safety in passenger ferrying.

However, when the experts from SUMATRA and TRL arrived at Dar es Station to start the inspection journey, they were met by angry workers who blocked the way thus making it impossible for the inspectors to make the trip.

In the view of the workers the coaches were hired from TRL’s parent company at unnecessarily great cost, in view of this they (workers) didn’t expect to get any salary increases because most of the Money would go towards meeting leasing costs.

According to Mr Mziray efforts by Union (TRAWU) officials, TRL and SUMATRA to convince the workers to come to terms on the necessity of inspecting the coaches and the need to allow the inspectors continue with their journey fail on deaf ears, as the workers stood their ground.

The Chief Railways Inspector (SUMATRA), officials from TRL and TRAWU represented by the Secretary General met with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Mr. Omar Chambo.

Mr Chambo directed the TRAWU leadership to educate their members on the intended objective of the inspection so that they allow for the inspectors continue with their work Schedule. In turn the TRAWU leadership promised to speak to the workers and give a feedback.

 “As of now we at SUMATRA were still waiting for an official response from TRL detailing what has been agreed with the workers representatives. This would make it possible for us (SUMATRA) to issue a new Schedule for the inspection,” said Mr Mziray.

There have been calls from different quarters of the committee calling for the termination of the contract entered into between RITES and the Tanzania Government, citing unsatisfactory services offered by TRL.