The General Federation of Banks and Financial Institutions in Tunisia has announced that December 28-31 will be decisive days in its labor dispute with the banking sector. In a statement released on September 29, 2026, the federation, affiliated with the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT), reaffirmed its key demands and warned of potential escalation in the dispute. The federation has been pressing for improved working conditions, salaries, and benefits for bank employees.
The federation cited several cases of what it described as abusive layoffs in some financial institutions. It also criticized what it sees as an erosion of employees' rights and benefits in both private and public sector banks. According to the federation, some of these practices contravene existing legislation. The labor dispute centers on demands for salary increases for the years 2025-2028, taking into account the volume of work and profits made by banks.
The federation is seeking the application of Article 412 of the Commercial Code to bank employees, with retroactive effect. It also demands the reinstatement of employees who were laid off for reporting corruption or engaging in union activities. Furthermore, the federation wants the return of amounts deducted from employees' salaries for strike days in 2025 and 2026. The federation disputes the deduction of strike days from salaries, bonuses, and benefits.
According to the federation, converting the right to strike into a financial penalty risks exacerbating tensions in the sector. The right to strike is a constitutional right in Tunisia. The federation vowed to continue mobilizing to defend its demands and achieve satisfaction. The announcement of decisive days in late December signals a potential escalation of the labor dispute.
The banking sector in Tunisia has been under pressure in recent years, with employees seeking better working conditions and benefits. The federation's demands reflect the concerns of bank employees who feel that their rights and benefits have been eroded. The UGTT, to which the federation is affiliated, has been a key player in Tunisia's labor movement.
The Tunisian government has been working to address labor disputes in various sectors, including banking. However, the federation's announcement suggests that more work needs to be done to resolve the dispute. The decisive days in late December will likely determine the course of the labor dispute and its impact on the banking sector.
The outcome of the labor dispute will have implications for the banking sector and the broader economy in Tunisia. The federation's demands are aimed at improving working conditions and benefits for bank employees, who play a critical role in the country's financial system. The situation remains uncertain, with the federation prepared to take further action to achieve its goals.
Key points
- The General Federation of Banks and Financial Institutions in Tunisia has announced decisive days in late December in its labor dispute with the banking sector.
- The federation is seeking improved working conditions, salaries, and benefits for bank employees, citing abusive layoffs and erosion of employees' rights and benefits.
- The labor dispute has implications for the banking sector and the broader economy in Tunisia.
