We have not heard from the Tunisian General Labor Union for a while, neither a clear position nor absolute support or absolute rejection of what is happening in the country for more than a month.
With the exception of some statements regarding the call to end the exceptional measures taken since July 25, or expressing its adherence to the demand for a road map due to the serious repercussions of these measures on the general situation, or its meeting with some partisan and political sides to discuss the developments of the situation in the country, the Union does not seem, as usual, present with the positions it used to take whenever the country has gone through a crisis.
In a previous stage, the Union was leading the political scene as it was a major player in it, when its leaders were in the front rows, giving their opinion on all developments.
Where is the labor union within everything that happens in the country?
Why has its voice decreased since the announcement of the exceptional measures and after the extension of them?
The Tunisian General Labor Union was an active and essential element in the political scene and a tent for everyone to shelter in. This is due to its clear, quick and decisive positions.
How do we explain this disappearance and its acceptance of waiting and anticipating with everyone how things will turn out in the coming days, even though it is supposed to be at the fore and plays a role at this stage as the largest force in the country?
Many questions from those who follow the political and trade union affairs in the country wonder strongly about the role of the Labor Union in the post-July 25 period, after the dismissal of the government and the suspension of the activities of the Assembly of People’s Representatives, and also after a month’s extension in exceptional measures without announcing a prime minister. It is an exceptional stage that many have called for ending so that the vision becomes clear to everyone.
The person in charge of the media in the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights, Mr. Romdhan Ben Amor, indicated that the voice of the Labor Union is still high, despite noting the lack of great communication between the Presidency of the Republic and the Union in relation to this stage. He said that the Union continues to play its role through correspondence and meetings with political, social and civil forces, adding that the voice of the Union, even if it fades in certain periods, will soon return with more strength, especially during critical periods.
Romdhan Ben Amor also confirmed that the position of the Labor Union from July 25 is clear in its statement after meeting the President of the Republic, and it is sticking to it, and even the statements of its leaders on social media sites show that, and that there is no return to the system prior to July 25. This is the same position, which has not changed after the recent decision of the President of the Republic. The role of the Union continues at this stage, as it is a force of modification and a guarantee that the authority will not be deviated from any party.
It also appears that civil society organizations as a whole and various professional organizations are in a state of waiting. Therefore, national organizations did not issue quick statements or adopt any positions even after the extension of the exceptional measures by the President of the Republic because they do not have enough data to build a position regarding the stage. None of them wants to rush to assess what is happening, as it is as if everyone is waiting for the path that the presidency will choose, in the light of which it will determine its final position on it.
