At a rally in Tunis on Friday marking International Workers’ Day, Slaheddine Selmi, the newly elected head of Tunisia’s General Labour Union (UGTT), urged members to set aside internal differences and present a united front. Addressing a crowd of supporters, Selmi emphasized the union’s role in the national dialogue while rejecting any claims of political ambition.
“We have never sought power, nor have we ever sought to attain it. That is for political parties and politicians,” Selmi told the assembled workers. He added that the UGTT will not accept restrictions on its constitutional and legal rights as a social partner, nor attempts to limit its duty to defend workers’ interests and monitor policies that affect the Tunisian economy and society.
Selmi, who was elected to lead the UGTT in March, outlined two priority areas for his tenure: enhancing internal transparency and safeguarding the union’s independence from political manipulation. Those goals come after a period of internal strife that threatened to weaken the UGTT’s bargaining power and provide President Kais Saied with an opening to curtail its influence.
The internal discord resurfaced earlier this year when a planned nationwide strike for 21 January—intended to protest the government’s crackdown on opposition forces—was abruptly called off. The cancellation highlighted the fragility of the union’s cohesion and raised concerns that the administration could exploit divisions to erode hard‑won labor gains.
Since its founding in 1946, the UGTT has been a cornerstone of Tunisian civil society, playing a decisive role in the 2011 revolution and subsequent democratic transition. Its involvement in the ongoing national dialogue has been critical for mediating between the government, business sector, and civil groups. Selmi’s reiteration of the union’s commitment to full participation in this process signals an attempt to restore confidence among its rank‑and‑file and reaffirm its position as a key stakeholder in Tunisia’s socioeconomic development.
The rally underscored the broader significance of labor unity in a country where economic challenges—including high unemployment and inflation—remain acute. As Tunisia navigates political uncertainty and social unrest, the UGTT’s ability to act as a cohesive, independent force will likely influence the trajectory of labor‑related reforms and the stability of the broader democratic framework.
