SINTIHOTS HOLDS VIII TRADE UNION COUNCIL SESSION AND APPROVES STRATEGIC DOCUMENTS
The National Union of Workers in the Hotel Industry, Tourism, Restaurants and Related Sectors (SINTIHOTS) held the VIII Ordinary Session of the National Trade Union Council on 31 March 2026, in Maputo City. The meeting was marked by the approval of guiding documents and the definition of the roadmap towards the organisation’s VI Congress.
Institutional context and participation
The session featured contributions from partner trade union organisations, namely SINPOCAF, SINTIAB and CONSILMO, which called for stronger social dialogue, broader trade union membership and the protection of workers’ rights at a time described by the representatives as challenging for the sector.
Representing the Government, the National Director of Tourism highlighted SINTIHOTS as a strategic partner in the development of the sector, reiterating that tourism has the potential to drive the national economy, provided that consistent investment is made in workers’ training and organisation.
Sector affected by post-election demonstrations
The report presented acknowledged that the hotel and tourism sector was severely affected by the post-election demonstrations of October 2024. Episodes of instability, the destruction of infrastructure and negative coverage in international media contributed to deterring tourists and exacerbated existing structural challenges within the sector.
Financial difficulties at the centre of the debate
The SINTIHOTS Secretary-General, Luís Macuacua, presented the activity report, identifying significant financial constraints.
The causes highlighted included the refusal by some employers to make direct deductions from workers’ salaries, amounts deducted but not transferred to the union, the considerable distance between establishments and provincial trade union headquarters, as well as weaknesses in financial control and management mechanisms. Despite these circumstances, the report recorded progress, including the reinstatement of workers, vocational training activities and active participation in sector initiatives.
Documents unanimously approved
The National Trade Union Council unanimously approved the following management and organisational instruments:
— The Secretary-General’s Activity Report, with a favourable opinion from the Supervisory Board;
— The Activity Plan and corresponding Budget;
— The Congress Rules of Procedure;
— The SINTIHOTS Hierarchy, Standards and Rules Regulations.
Four resolutions were also approved. Resolution No. 01/2026 convenes the VI General Assemblies of Members at workplace establishments, the VI Provincial Conferences and the VI SINTIHOTS Congress. Resolution No. 02/2026 establishes the Central Office for the Preparation and Organisation of the VI Congress. Resolution No. 03/2026 approves the schedule for the general assemblies and provincial conferences, while Resolution No. 04/2026 establishes transitional measures for the 2027–2032 term of office.
Other resolutions
The session also resolved to strengthen the training of trade union officials, improve coordination between the legal and labour negotiation departments, and approved the proposal to create the SINTIHOTS anthem. The meeting concluded with the swearing-in of Robelo Natalino Gasopar as a new member of the National Trade Union Council.
The approved resolutions form part of a broader process to reorganise and strengthen the union institutionally, following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other socioeconomic challenges in recent years. The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring greater financial sustainability and more effective protection of workers’ rights in the sector.
