lang: en
Summary
In 1948, workers in Zanzibar City, Tanzania, launched a general strike demanding wage increases and improved conditions. The strike, led by Abbas Othman, began with dockworkers and spread to other sectors, paralyzing the city for weeks. The campaign resulted in partial success, with wage increases and better conditions for some workers, but not all demands were met.
Background
Under British rule, Zanzibar’s population included mainland Tanzanian migrants who faced discrimination and poor working conditions. By 1948, wages had stagnated while the cost of living rose, and a poor clove harvest worsened the economic situation. Workers, particularly dockworkers employed by the British-owned African Wharfage Company, sought a monthly wage of 60 Shs and better conditions.
What happened
On 20 August 1948, workers began a strike that paralyzed Zanzibar City [source: nv-database]. The strike initially involved dockworkers, porters, and cart men, but spread after 2 September when police arrested two men, leading to a large protest where stones were thrown [source: nv-database]. The government responded with tear gas, a ban on meetings, and a state of emergency on 6 September [source: nv-database]. Secret negotiations facilitated by Herbert Barnabas led to AWC employees returning to work on 11 September after receiving a slightly increased pay rate, overtime, and one free meal a day [source: nv-database]. By 13 September all strikers were back at work [source: nv-database]. The strike led to wage increases and better conditions for some workers through the Labour Conciliation Committee, but the initial demand of 60 Shs was not fully met [source: nv-database].
Key people & organizations
- Abbas Othman
- African Wharfage Company
- Resident Glenday
- Herbert Barnabas
- Hamalis’ Association
- European Servants Union
Tactics used
The campaign used a general strike to disrupt the city’s economy, combined with assemblies and a suppliers’ boycott to pressure authorities. The escalation from a targeted industry strike to a general strike broadened the campaign’s impact. [source: nv-database]
Outcome
Verdict: partial.
The campaign achieved partial success: wage increases and better conditions were granted to some workers, but the initial demand of 60 Shs monthly wage was not met for all. The strike ended voluntarily, and the government’s mediation efforts led to improvements, though not universal. [source: nv-database]
Lessons
- A general strike can effectively paralyze economic activity and force negotiations.
- Building solidarity across different worker groups can amplify pressure on authorities.
- Secret negotiations with intermediaries can facilitate resolution even after escalation.
Sources
- Global Nonviolent Action Database —
[[nv-database]]
Disclaimer: Included as a teaching example of campaign craft, not as endorsement.
Sources & verification
nv-database— grounding: primary — license: link-only- Rewritten: 2026-06-25 via
worker_casestudies_v2.py