Tunisia Averts Finance Ministry Strike Through Last-Minute Agreement with Labor Union

Supporters of the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) gather with national flags during a rally outside its headquarters in the capital Tunis on June 16, 2022, amidst a general strike announced by the UGTT. (Photo by FETHI BELAID / AFP)

A nationwide strike planned for June 30 by employees of Tunisia’s Ministry of Finance has been cancelled following a decisive eleventh-hour agreement between Government officials and the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT).

The breakthrough emerged from a high-level meeting held on Sunday, June 29, with Minister of Social Affairs Essam El Ahmar present to address the union’s concerns. Central to the discussions were issues relating to working conditions and wage realignments for ministry staff. The cancellation of the strike has been hailed as a prudent move that reflects institutional responsibility and a renewed commitment to dialogue, especially at a time when Tunisia’s economic stability remains delicate.

The Ministry of Finance, a cornerstone of national governance, is responsible for tax collection, budget oversight, and economic policy coordination. Any disruption to its operations—particularly at the close of the fiscal semester—could have severely impacted administrative continuity and international financial negotiations. By resolving the labor dispute through diplomatic channels, the parties involved have demonstrated a shared intent to foster constructive relations and mitigate future unrest within the public sector. The agreement now stands as a template for strategic engagement in Tunisia’s evolving socio-economic landscape.

About Khalid Al Mouahidi 4744 Articles
Khalid Al Mouahidi : A binational from the US and Morocco, Khalid El Mouahidi has worked for several american companies in the Maghreb Region and is currently based in Casablanca, where he is doing consulting jobs for major international companies . Khalid writes analytical pieces about economic ties between the Maghreb and the Mena Region, where he has an extensive network