Tunisian labour union is moving towards opposition

Significance

Tunis has been in negotiations with the IMF for a new package all year. The government needs the UGTT’s support to implement any IMF deal, but relations between government and union have become strained.

Impacts

• The UGTT said it will boycott the December 17 general elections, which will not be free and fair.
• Cutting public sector jobs will encounter resistance from the UGTT and lead to more social strife.
• UGTT could potentially veto or at least further slow IMF negotiations.
• In a worst-case scenario, the government could oust the UGTT leadership.