Speaking to Tunisie Numérique, researcher and thinker Farid Olaibi examined the recent suspensions of several leaders from the UGTT . He cited the case of the general secretary of the Regional Labor Union in Sfax, who was proven innocent, followed by the detention of the general secretary of the Regional Union in Kasserine on fraud charges.
Olaibi explained that these suspensions are not indicative of the Tunisian General Labor Union’s performance or connected to union activities. Instead, he proposed such issues could arise in any political, cultural, or union context. Nonetheless, he stressed that those found guilty of crimes would face appropriate consequences.
Further analyzing the situation, he asserted that the relationship between the Tunisian General Labor Union and the Presidency of the Republic remains untouched by these incidents. He criticized attempts to politicize the suspensions as misguided.
He also remarked that the Tunisian General Labor Union had supported the July 25 process and the corresponding presidential measures, revealing a positive relationship between the union and the Presidency of the Republic.
Our speaker addressed those who regarded the union’s response to the suspensions as a strategy of appeasement towards the authorities. He contended that these matters are unrelated to union-specific issues, rendering any demonstrations or movements irrelevant. Despite this, he admitted that various union statements and positions have been issued by regional offices and executive members of the workers’ organization. Nevertheless, he concluded by affirming that the union continues to serve as a unifying shelter for all Tunisians.