The Researchers, Academicians and Allied Workers Union which has so far been registered in the country. RAAWU like other trade Union, originated from a long history of trade Union movement in Tanzania. In short, from 1964 to 1990 the trade Union (TU) movement in Tanzania was under the armpit of the ruling political party (TANU/CCM).

However due to the winds of change from the mid 1980; Political democratisation and economic liberatilisation, the government was compelled to free Trade Union from direct party state control. Therefore, an act of the parliament (The OTTU Act No. 20 of 1991) was passed in December 1991 which among other things, provided for repeal of JUWATA Act, and for the establishment of OTTU.

OTTU was given Mandate of form (its Unions) Industrial Unions, the process which started in 1992 and completed in 1995, where the eleven (11) trade unions were formed including RAAWU. RAAWU was therefore established in November, 1994 where, the approval of the union constitution and the election of the National Leadership took place.

It was not until November, 1998 when the parliament enacted the new trade union Act (TUA) No. 10 of 1998 which, repealed the trade unions ordinance as well as OTTU, Act. The new trade union Act No. 10 of 1998 came into operation on 1st July 2000 which gave room for individual registration of unions thus making them more free and independent. RAAWU become registered on 15 September, 2000 with registration No. 00

The principal objectives of the union are: 

• To improve and safeguard the conditions of members in their working lives; Cooperate and discuss with employers on matters of industrial harmony;
• To Negotiate and settle differences between the members and employers, or between one member and another;
• To Enforce and assist in the enforcement of collective agreements, awards, the disciplinary code and any other provisions which are subject to national and local application;
• To Cooperate and exchange experience with friendly, National and International trade unions;
• To Impress upon the Government the need for appropriate labour legislation and progressive economic and social policies and defend members interests against government policies and decisions which are detrimental to members welfare