Tunisia’s largest labor union plans rally despite presidential opposition

Tunisia’s largest labor union plans rally despite presidential opposition
Photo: Exterior of the UGTT headquarters in Tunis in 2011. Credit: Creative Commons/Citizen59

Tunisia’s largest labor union, the UGTT, announced plans to hold a rally and march on August 21, despite strong opposition from President Kais Saied and his supporters, the North Africa Post reports.

Union leaders say the protest is a response to stalled negotiations, the cancellation of social dialogue, and attacks on the organization’s headquarters.

Tensions escalated last week when hundreds of Saied supporters gathered outside the UGTT’s main office, demanding the president suspend the union. The demonstration followed a three-day transportation strike organized by the UGTT, which disrupted much of the country, according to Reuters. Protesters reportedly referred to union members as “union gangs.”

UGTT spokesman Sami Tahri accused authorities of covertly organizing the rally and claimed that children were recruited to attack the union’s headquarters.

In response, dozens of union members staged a counter-protest, chanting anti-government slogans such as, “The union will remain steadfast and independent.” Police reportedly intervened to prevent clashes between the two groups.

Rights organizations have criticized Saied’s government, saying that since 2021 it has weakened the opposition through arbitrary detentions and tightened control over the judiciary. The UGTT, a key player in Tunisia’s post-revolution transition, continues to voice strong opposition to Saied’s consolidation of power.

Great! You’ve successfully signed up.

Welcome back! You've successfully signed in.

You've successfully subscribed to MAGHREB INSIDER.

Success! Check your email for magic link to sign-in.

Success! Your billing info has been updated.

Your billing was not updated.