TAZARA workers vow to stay off duty until full salaries are paid, receive management backing

Operations at the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) will remain suspended until all outstanding salaries are paid in full, workers have declared.

During a meeting on Monday, Transport and Communications Minister Frank Tayali announced that the government will release the remaining K43 million in salary arrears by the end of this week.

TAZARA Managing Director, Bruno Ching’andu, reinforced the workers’ position, stating that operations would only resume once all arrears are cleared.

“The workers have made it clear — no work until they are fully paid,” Ching’andu said. “We support their position and are hopeful the government will honour its commitment.”

The salary crisis has disrupted railway services and raised regional concern due to TAZARA’s crucial role in transporting goods between Zambia and Tanzania.

Minister Tayali assured workers that the government was finalising the payment process.

“We are committed to clearing the outstanding amount this week. Half of the K86 million has already been disbursed, and the process to release the balance is underway,” he said.

TAZARA workers, who have gone several months without pay, have expressed mounting frustration and insist that full payment must precede the resumption of work.

Tayali appealed for patience as the Ministry completed financial procedures.

“We understand their concerns, and we are doing everything possible to resolve the matter quickly,” he said.

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