President Kais Saïed met with Issam Lahmar, Minister of Social Affairs; Riadh Chaoued, Minister of Employment and Vocational Training; and Hasna Jiballa, Secretary of State in charge of community enterprises at Carthage Palace.
This meeting coincided with the centenary of the General Union of Tunisian Workers (UGTT), a milestone in the country’s social and labour history.
A Tribute to Mohamed Ali El Hammi, Pioneer of Tunisian Syndicalism
In his address, President Saïed honoured Mohamed Ali El Hammi, the founder of the UGTT in 1924, calling him an iconic figure in syndicalism in Tunisia and the Arab world. Born into poverty, El Hammi rose from a manual labourer to a specialist in the political economy through sheer determination.
The president quoted Farhat Hached, another union leader, who referred to El Hammi as the “father of the Tunisian labour movement.” Saïed highlighted El Hammi’s courage and vision, which led to the creation of the first cooperative economic association to combat high living costs and improve workers’ conditions, despite resistance from economic cartels and colonial forces.
Promoting Community Enterprises and Streamlining Procedures
During the meeting, President Saïed emphasized the need to support young entrepreneurs in establishing community enterprises. He criticized certain influential groups attempting to undermine this innovative economic model, arguing that these enterprises not only benefit their members but also contribute to national development.
He called for administrative procedures to be simplified, making it easier for young people to access and establish such enterprises. This aligns with the president’s broader vision of fostering social justice and strengthening the local economy.
Reforming Precarious Contracts and Subcontracting Practices
The president also discussed a draft law aimed at abolishing precarious contracts and eliminating exploitative subcontracting practices. He advocated for a modern revision of legal frameworks, free from outdated influences, to ensure fair wages and equitable treatment for all workers.
Saïed assured that the rights of workers affected by precarious contracts would be preserved. He underscored that economic development and social stability can only be achieved through principles of justice and fairness.
This initiative reflects the president’s commitment to creating a fairer labour market and addressing long-standing inequalities in Tunisia.
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