Tunisian unions call for new government
Solidarity with Tunisian trade unions
Latest UGTT statement
22 January 2011
News outlets are beginning to reflect more accurately the leading role of trade unionists - originally ignored - in the 'jasmine revolution' that has swept the former President of Tunisia from power. The Tunisian trade union movement - the UGTT - has now issued a call for the interim government that they briefly joined but then pulled out of to be replaced by a government untainted by the former regime.
And as demonstrations continue in a more peaceful capital city of Tunis, now even the police are seeking to form a union.
In their most recent statement, issued on Tuesday, the UGTT announced 'the withdrawal of its representatives from the coalition government, the resignation of the trade unionists from the Chamber of Deputies, the Chamber of Advisers and the municipal councils; and the suspension of the UGTT membership in the Economic and Social Council and the supreme councils'.
The UGTT called for (among other things):
- the formation of a constituent council which must be elected through free and democratic elections which reflect the will of our people in building a better future;
- the immediate freezing of the balances of the former president, his family and in?laws, the nationalization of their property, preventing all suspects from leaving the Tunisian territories; and
- the dissolution of the structures of the Constitutional Democratic Rally, the party which is still headed by former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) to which both the TUC and UGTT belong, has sent a representative to Tunis to discuss what solidarity the Tunisian trade union movement needs, although the UGTT has rejected 'all forms of foreign intervention which tries to guide and influence our people. Our people ? that managed to overthrow the president who used to suppress all those who uphold the freedom of expression - are qualified enough to determine their own destiny away from any guardianship.'
The ITUC General Council meets in Brussels at the beginning of February and will decide how to help then. The TUC has already offered financial support and expertise, as well as formal solidarity.
For further information about developments in Tunisia, keep an eye on the Tunisia page of LabourStart.
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