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Unions call on EU to support positive transition in Tunisia

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Unions call on EU to support positive transition in Tunisia

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber, along with his European and International counterparts, has written to the Foreign Secretary William Hague, calling on him to back an EU-wide approach to supporting democracy and decent work in Tunisia. This includes granting Tunisia EU market access, writing off part of its debt, and supporting fundamental rights at work and good governance.

To show your solidarity with Arab trade unions, including in Tunisia, please donate to the TUC Aid Middle East and North Africa Appeal

12 April 2011

Rt Hon William Hague

Foreign Secretary

Dear Mr Hague

Supporting Tunisia on the path to democracy and decent work

The TUC, the ITUC and the ETUC are writing to you to share our common concerns on the situation in Tunisia and to propose measures that the EU should take to promote democracy and decent work in Tunisia.

After the courageous uprising that toppled the corrupt and dictatorial rule of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, it is vital that we support the aspirations of the Tunisian people, in particular the vast numbers of young unemployed, for decent work and a real say in how their lives are run.

This requires support for institutions that allow Tunisians to choose their government and hold it to account. It also requires ensuring respect for freedom of association in law and in practice, to allow all workers a voice through their trade unions to promote social justice and a prosperous, productive and inclusive economy.

In light of the EU High Representative's visit to Tunisia, we take note of the aid that the EU plans for Tunisia, as well as the offer to monitor the elections and help with the democratic transition. We also welcome the new strategy she highlighted for relations with the countries of the southern Mediterranean, putting the emphasis on democratic transformation, civil society participation and economic development.

We support the EU's plan to conclude fast track negotiations to achieve a trade deal with the transitional government of Tunisia with a view to assisting economic growth in the country. We urge you to support granting 'advanced trade status' for Tunisia to allow its producers to access to the European markets on preferential terms to create value and boost exports to EU members, hence contributing to economic stability and creating more employment for its people. This market access should be without any conditionality - other than guarantees of democracy and human rights, including freedom of association - or reciprocity being attached to the agreement.

We also call your attention to the Tunisian debt of more than ?15 billion, taking into account the downgrade of Tunisian debt by the two largest credit rating agencies in January 2011. Although in February, the Central Bank of Tunisia made assurances that the country has adequate reserve levels, they sought new finance from the IMF, the World Bank and the EU in case growth does not pick up soon.

We urge you to support writing off part of Tunisia's debts so that the country does not face further pressure from the international financial markets and costs in terms of debt and debt service payments.

We call on the UK Government to support the EU taking these necessary steps to support Tunisia's transformation and a new beginning for its people.

Yours sincerely,

Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary
John Monks, ETUC General Secretary
Sharan Burrow, ITUC General Secretary

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