Tunisia’s UGTT Union Chief Urges Unity Amidst Internal Strife and Government Scrutiny. CAIRO, Egypt – In a call echoing the echoes of International Workers’Day, the Secretary-General of Tunisia’s General Labour Union (UGTT), Slaheddine Selmi, has emphasized the need for unity among union members to surmount internal divisions and the weight of external pressures. This appeal comes at a time when the UGTT faces significant internal unrest and challenges from the Tunisian government, which has been perceived as attempting to erode the union’s influence and bargaining power.
Selmi made his appeal during a rally in Tunis on May 1, 2026.
The newly elected leader made it clear that the UGTT’s primary goal is to be a full-fledged social partner in defending workers’interests, rather than engaging in political ambitions. This position is a strategic move to stabilize the union amidst internal strife and external pressure from the Tunisian government.
The UGTT, a pivotal labor union in Tunisia, has been a cornerstone in the country’s political and social landscape, recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015 for its role in the nation’s democratic transition post-2011 Arab Spring.
However, the union has been addressing internal divisions and external challenges, including the suspension of wage negotiations and the stripping of union leave privileges.
The sources indicate that there are internal divisions within the UGTT, with some factions advocating for a more confrontational stance against the government.
The Tunisian government, led by President Kais Saied, has been criticized for targeting the union, actions that have sparked both domestic and international concern. Selmi’s commitment to greater transparency and defending the union’s independence from political manipulation or tension was highlighted in his initial remarks to Tunisian media on March 28, 2026.
The stability and effectiveness of the UGTT as a social partner are crucial in shaping Tunisia’s future democratic landscape.
As Tunisia continues its democratic transition, the UGTT’s ability to maintain its independence and effectiveness will be pivotal.
The EU, Tunisia’s largest trading partner, has seen relations sour since Saied seized almost all power in 2021, leading to rising tensions between the government and civil society.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Rédaction Africanews
