The Tunisian National Chamber of Hazardous Materials Transport and the National Transport Union, affiliated with the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Commerce, and Traditional Industries, have announced that fuel distribution companies, fuel transport companies, and fuel stations are mobilizing to ensure a steady supply of fuel and maintain operations on September 23 and 24, 2026. This move comes in response to a call for a strike by the private sector committee of the Tunisian General Labor Union.
The strike, planned for September 23 and 24, 2026, is aimed at pressuring the government to address what workers consider to be delayed dialogue and unmet labor demands. The workers, employed by fuel transport companies across the country, claim that their rights have not been adequately addressed. However, the National Chamber of Hazardous Materials Transport and the National Transport Union argue that the strike call was not made in accordance with the law.
According to the Chamber and the Union, the fuel transport companies did not receive a lawful strike notice, as per the provisions of Article 376 of the Labor Code. They consider any work stoppage or disruption to truck traffic as an unlawful act. The organizations also pointed out that companies in the sector respect existing laws related to social coverage, declare their employees, and ensure their occupational safety according to international standards.
The dispute centers around two companies facing financial difficulties, which led to delays in paying contributions to the Social Security Fund. However, the Chamber and the Union emphasize that this situation does not justify a strike that could impact fuel supplies and disrupt economic activity. They also mentioned that the situation of these two companies has been resolved with the Social Security Fund.
The General Petroleum and Chemical Materials Union had requested the implementation of a 2019 agreement, but the Chamber and the Union argue that this agreement was no longer valid due to its rejection by drivers and unions over seven years ago. They also noted that the sector's companies have fulfilled their obligations regarding wage increases for 2018-2019 and the 2022-2024 period.
The companies have also committed to implementing wage increases as per presidential decrees issued on April 30, 2026, covering the period 2026-2028. The Chamber and the Union pointed out that all tariff revisions decided by the state have been directed towards financing wage increases and fuel costs, although these revisions are considered insufficient to cover the sector's costs.
The National Chamber of Hazardous Materials Transport and the National Transport Union believe that social dialogue between companies and their employees has not ceased at the institutional level to address any difficulties that may arise. They expressed their commitment to ensuring the continuity of fuel supplies and maintaining economic activity despite the planned strike.
Key points
- Fuel transport companies in Tunisia are preparing to maintain operations despite a planned strike by workers.
- The strike is aimed at pressuring the government to address labor demands.
- The companies argue that the strike call was not made in accordance with the law.
