Tunisian union threatened by a series of strikes

The General Union of Tunisian Workers (UGTT) is preparing to launch a series of strikes in sensitive sectors from the beginning of September, such as the public health sector, which could be a major embarrassment for the Youssef government Chahed, who is preparing for an untimely presidential election.

The sectoral administrative body of the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT) decided Wednesday to launch a two-day national general strike in all health institutions affiliated to the Ministry of Health on Wednesday and Thursday 4 and September 5, 2019, the minutes of the agreement signed between the General University of Health and the presidency of the Ministry of Health has not been applied. On March 11, 2019, according to the strike telegram, the government ordered special promotions and health support workers.

Resolutions in force

The governing body is the supreme authority of the Union of Labor, the largest Tunisian trade union organization, and its decisions are generally only effective if a reconciliation meeting with the government party succeeds before the strike planned.

The health authority confirmed that the strike would be triggered if its requirements were not met.

Trade union sources told Erm News that protests are expected in the coming weeks, starting with the public health sector, including other key sectors. To come up.

Supporters of trade union affairs in Tunisia have estimated that the threat of a strike in a vital sector such as the public health sector and for two consecutive days constitutes an escalation on the part of the Union of Labor, which urged the government to abide by its previously announced commitments set in the minutes of the sessions, noting that the government is slowing down each time If you stick to what you promised, it could lead to more congestion and the situation could explode at any time .

Back of vow of protest

The next strike in the health sector is the first initiative expected by the union in the next phase, which should include the sector of education and higher education, which are also witnessing a similar situation and the signing of fragile agreements between the union and government parties, which the government has not yet committed to implement, which could trigger the return of demonstrations. Strongly coinciding with the return to the next schools and universities next month.

Political analyst Mohamed Toujani told Erm News that these changes in critical areas such as health, education and higher education would coincide with the start of the campaign for the election. presidential election that will begin on September 2, 2019, a period of preparation for the return of schools and universities, which could double the number of candidates. Pressures on the government, particularly on its president, presidential candidate Youssef Chahed, based on the results of the performance and cohesion of his government and on the continuation of his work for three years consecutive.

Toujani said the refusal of the witness to resign from his post and that the resignation of seven of his ministers had been designated for legislative elections will double the pressure on his government and could affect his chances in the presidential election in particular.

He stressed that "the voter's memory is short and that the last impression he has on the election candidate is the one that will be the decisive factor in voting or punishing that candidate", noting that, if the witness was subjected to a series of successive strikes next month, which would considerably affect voters' attitudes. And on the chances of the Prime Minister in the race for the presidency, in the expectation of the results of the parliamentary elections.

Weeks are difficult for the witness

For its part, political scientist Ismail al-Ghali said in a statement to "Erm News" that the threat of a union with a series of protest movements at this stage will inevitably affect the government's performance and prime chances. minister in the race for the presidency.

Al-Ghali said that the Prime Minister's accession to combine the exercise of his powers and functions as head of government, together with the announcement of his candidacy for the presidential election, could to cost him dearly.

In addition to the upcoming strikes in the health, education and higher education sectors, said the political analyst, the witness's government is also confronted with the issue of social negotiations in to increase the salaries of the public service, which began its tour last month and should revitalize the work before the end of the current political reign of the government, Thus, the weeks to come will be difficult for the government witness and will testify expected clashes.

Noureddine Taboubi, secretary-general of the Tunisian General Labor Union, has warned repeatedly in his previous statements against what he called a "bone breaking battle" between the government and the rules of the Union, calling the union rules to mobilize to prepare for this battle.