Tunis/Tunisia — The Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT) rejects the cut of wages for the public sector and civil service employees as part of the austerity policy adopted by the government, UGTT Deputy Secretary-General Hfaiedh Hfaiedh said on Monday.
Hfaiedh said the economic situation requires a debate between the government and its social partners, noting that discussions have already started about three weeks ago.
He said that the UGTT, which is betting on dialogue, is convinced of the need to combat tax evasion and adopt measures to revive the economy, reiterating its rejection of any unilateral government policy that could undermine the rights of workers.
The trade union leader recalled the UGTT's commitments, including the payment on August 1 of the third tranche of wage increases for civil servants and the launch of a new round of social negotiations which has been postponed due to the exceptional situation facing the country following the spread of the Coronavirus.
Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh, said in a TV interview that was broadcast yesterday Sunday on the channel "Attasiâa", that all issues are on the negotiating table with the UGTT including the situation of public finances and state institutions, not excluding a reduction in the salaries of civil servants and pensions if the crisis facing the country continues.
