The Regional Union of Labour in Sfax will hold its 28th ordinary congress on 11 and 12 January 2026, under the slogan: “Stability, unity, struggle.”
While described as an “ordinary” congress, the meeting comes at an exceptional moment for the UGTT, shaken by the resignation of its Secretary-General, Nouredine Taboubi, submitted on 23 December 2025, just weeks ahead of major union deadlines.
An ordinary congress at an extraordinary time
The congress takes place as the organisation faces an internal crisis triggered by Nouredine Taboubi’s decision to resign, announced a few days before a national general strike scheduled for 21 January 2026, as decided by the National Administrative Commission.
The union calendar also includes an extraordinary UGTT congress set for 25, 26 and 27 March 2026, roughly two months after the general strike.
Sfax, a major union power base
Regarded as one of the key centres of trade union influence in Tunisia, Sfax gives this congress significance that goes beyond the regional level. Holding it at this precise time is expected to have direct implications for how the crisis within the national union leadership evolves.
Depending on internal balances, the congress could help de-escalate tensions by mending divisions and rebuilding consensus capable of absorbing the shock caused by Taboubi’s resignation. Conversely, it could also deepen the crisis and push towards a clearer break with the current union landscape.
A resignation formally submitted on 23 December 2025
It should be recalled that the UGTT Secretary-General formally filed his resignation request on 23 December 2025. At this stage, the process is pending an internal step: Taboubi must be heard by the Executive Bureau to clarify the reasons behind his decision.
According to a previous statement to Tunisie Numérique by Béchir Sahbani, Secretary-General of the Regional Union of Labour in Bizerte, this hearing must take place within a deadline of no more than 15 days, in line with the UGTT’s internal regulations.
A political and union test ahead of key 2026 dates
With the 21 January 2026 general strike and the 25–27 March 2026 extraordinary congress approaching, the Sfax congress is shaping up as a major test. It could influence the UGTT’s internal dynamics, the cohesion of its structures, and the organisation’s ability to manage a transition under heightened social pressure.
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