The Tunisian General Union of Oil and Chemical Workers has announced that the Ministries of Finance and Industry have provided the necessary funds to cover the social contributions of oil transport workers. This development may lead to the cancellation of a planned strike by oil transport workers on September 23-24. The strike was initially planned to address concerns over social coverage and the implementation of an agreement signed on May 2, 2019.
According to Salim Sahimi, General Secretary of the General Union of Oil and Chemical Workers, the increase in profit margins for oil companies will enable them to pay workers' financial dues and provide social coverage. This move is expected to resolve the issues that led to the planned strike. Sahimi stated that the agreement signed on September 17, 2026, with oil companies will allow them to fulfill their financial obligations to workers.
The agreement signed on May 2, 2019, provides for special allowances and financial and social benefits for oil transport workers and outlines a mechanism for adjusting profit margins. Sahimi noted that this agreement can be renegotiated on certain points to satisfy both parties. The General Union of Oil and Chemical Workers had initially called for a strike on August 27, 2026, citing concerns over social coverage and financial benefits.
Despite the progress made, Sahimi emphasized that the union remains committed to carrying out the strike, as no conciliation session has been held to date. He attributed the current situation to the Ministry of Social Affairs, which he said failed to convene a conciliation session between the union and employers, as required by law. The Ministry's inaction has led to a deadlock, leaving the union with no alternative but to proceed with the strike.
Sahimi explained that the union had been seeking a resolution through dialogue and negotiation but felt compelled to plan a strike due to the lack of progress. The planned strike is set to affect the transport of oil and hazardous materials in Tunisia. The country's energy sector has faced challenges in recent years, including disputes over workers' benefits and working conditions.
The Tunisian government has been working to address the concerns of oil workers and avoid a strike that could disrupt the country's energy supply. The Ministries of Finance and Industry have taken steps to provide the necessary funds to cover workers' social contributions. Further negotiations between the union and employers are expected to take place to resolve the outstanding issues.
The outcome of the planned strike remains uncertain, as the union and government continue to engage in discussions. If the strike is called off, it will be a positive development for the country's energy sector and economy. The situation will continue to be monitored, and any further developments will be reported.
Key points
- The Tunisian government has provided necessary funds to cover social contributions of oil transport workers.
- A planned strike by oil transport workers on September 23-24 may be averted.
- The agreement signed on May 2, 2019, provides for special allowances and financial and social benefits for oil transport workers.
