The 25th congress of the Tunisian General Labour Union (French: UGTT) opened Wednesday in Sfax amid heavy security, in the presence of trade unionists and guests from several countries.

Nearly 620 delegates among members of the labour union’s executive bureau and secretaries general of unions, regional chapters and grassroots trade unions are attending the three-day event.

The congress also brings together personalities and guests from organisations in several Maghreb, African and European countries as well as representatives of national organisations, mainly the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts (French: UTICA), the National Bar Association, the National Union of Tunisian Women,  the Tunisian League of Human Rights, the National Union of Tunisian Journalists, etc.

In his opening address, SG Noureddine Tabboubi called Sfax  a “fortress of the labour union struggle” and welcomed the UGTT’s guests, mainly the  Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions and the General Union of Algerian Workers.

Representatives of guest organisations, including the International Labour Organisation, the European Trade Union Confederation, the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions and the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) took the floor at the inaugural session.

They reiterated unwavering support to the UGTT for its long-standing history of activism to champion the rights of workers.

SG of  the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions Shaher Saad said the UGTT is seen as “an icon of trade union action as testify to that achivements made (Nobel Peace Prize) in which the Arab world takes pride.”

He also praised the labour union for its role in defending the Palestinian cause and said Tunisia had supported the Palestinian revolution and offered refuge to Palestinians for a long time.

UTICA’s Samir Majoul said the employers’ organisation and the labour union have been partners since the pre-independence period in serving the interests of the country and safeguarding institutions and the human resources. They need now to chart a way out of the crisis.

Thiry-six candidates are seeking seats on the executive bureau (15), the national rules of procedure committee (5) and the national committee for financial control (5)

Source: Tap News Agency