Tunisia's powerful UGTT union calls nationwide strike for January 21

Tunisia's UGTT Announces Nationwide Strike

The main union in Tunisia, the UGTT, has scheduled a nationwide strike for Sat, Jan 21, 2023. The strike aims to initiate wage-increase negotiations and protest against the government's crackdown on critics.

The strike has the potential to disrupt key public sectors significantly. This action could exacerbate the financial difficulties currently faced by the government and increase the risk of unrest due to public dissatisfaction with inadequate services.

The UGTT has been a pivotal force in Tunisia's democratic transition following the dictatorship era that ended in 2011. Initially, the union supported President Kais Saied's decision to dissolve parliament in 2021. However, it has since opposed his subsequent measures, which it perceives as consolidating power to a single authority. The union's stance reflects growing discontent over diminishing freedoms and government actions against opposition leaders, journalists, and civil society groups.

Tunisia is currently experiencing a severe cost-of-living crisis that is affecting many citizens. Recently, protests have erupted in the capital, Tunis, in response to the arrest of three opposition figures accused of conspiracy.

Based on reporting by Africanews.