Unions take to the streets in Tunisia

The Tunis General Union of Workers (TGIS) held a demonstration to protest the “restriction of trade union rights and the current social and economic situation”.

At TGIS’s call, approximately 2,000 union members gathered in Mohammed Ali Square in the capital, Tunis. During the demonstration, banners were carried that read “No fear, no terror, power is in the hands of the people”, “There is no freedom in the police state” and “We are united with soul and blood”.

In his speech here, TGİS General Secretary Nureddin et-Tabubi said: “Like all unions in the world, we will oppose the injustice committed against workers, the denial of trade union rights and the denial of the right to strike.” . Emphasizing that his only weapon is dialogue, Tabubi said: “We have nothing to do with violence or terrorism, we will get our rights through dialogue and peaceful demonstrations. The word dialogue has become a crime in the country. We are in Tunisia, which is an open-minded, tolerant and intertwined country despite differing opinions.”

CALL FOR A GENERAL STRIKE

In its February 3 statement, TGIS announced that it would organize strikes in various sectors and demonstrations in some cities to “protest the restrictions on trade union rights and the economic situation in the country.”

Hundreds of trade unionists held demonstrations in the cities of Sfaks, Tuzer, Medenin, Kasrin, Kayravan, Nabil, Monastir and Cenduba on February 18, at the request of TGIS. Tunisian President Kays Said had ordered the deportation of Esther Lynch, general secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), who participated in the demonstrations and made statements.

President Said, in his statement after the TGIS strike announcement, stated that trade union rights are guaranteed by the Constitution, but these rights cannot be claimed to achieve political goals.

Since February 11, operations to arrest politicians, journalists, activists, judges and businessmen have been carried out in the country. Tunisian President Said said the arrests of some politicians in the country were carried out for “conspiracy against state security” and measures aimed at fueling the economic crisis. (AA)