Ward council summoned me over labour dispute 

I run a small transport company in Tabora. One of my drivers repeatedly had conflicts with management regarding late arrivals and misuse of company fuel. After several warnings, we terminated his contract. The ward council has summoned me on behalf of the company to appear in response to the complaint regarding the alleged unfair termination. Is this the appropriate forum for labour disputes? Do I have to attend? More importantly, if I do heed their call, what does this mean for me?

SR, Tabora

Legally, employment disputes are governed by the Employment and Labour Relations Act, 2004 (Cap. 366, [R. E 2023] and the Labour Institutions Act, Cap. 300 [R.E 2023] together with their Regulations. These laws establish the Commission for Mediation and Arbitration (CMA) as the proper forum for labour disputes. If the employee claims unfair termination, the matter must be referred to the CMA, not the ward council. We believe your former employee was not well informed about the appropriate forum and, out of ignorance, presented his complaint to the ward council. Nonetheless, and as a courtesy, you should attend and inform them accordingly.

Ward councils in Tanzania often act as community reconciliation forums, especially when disputes spill into the local community. While they cannot enforce employment law, ignoring the summons could escalate tensions and send the wrong message. We advise you attend the ward council to show respect, explain that you followed due process (warnings, documentation), and clarify that the CMA is the lawful body to resolve employment disputes. This way, you maintain community goodwill while protecting your legal position and corporate reputation. Be sure to attend the council meeting with your lawyer.