News

Brother Noomen Gharbi, Deputy General Secretary of the Federation of Banks and Financial Establishments of the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) and Vice-President of UNI Africa Finance, has informed us that following a decision to strike by the employees of Tunisie Factoring, and the marathon negotiations that ensued both within the company and also at the general labour inspectorate, the senior management of the company has chosen to bury its head in the sand. It has refused to grant workers their rights and it is also not prepared to resolve the problem created by the cut in salaries that was decided in violation of the collective agreement for the banking sector. The management has also refused to negotiate with the unions a set of fair and transparent criteria for profit-sharing – most of that bonus money has been taken by a few members of the staff management whereas the workers who actually create the wealth and the value added only received a few crumbs. Added to that, the employees and the unions are subject to intimidation and pressure, thereby violating their trade union rights.

Today, 4 June 2014, the strike took place and it was very successful. Dozens of unionists from all trade unions representing workers in banks, finance and financial institutions were present outside the headquarters of the company to demonstrate their solidarity with the employees of Tunisie Factoring.

The flags of UGTT and UNI were clearly visible during this large-scale rally. At the end of the demonstration, brother Noomen Gharbi applauded the strikers and the spirit of solidarity shown by all unions in the sector, and he said that the struggle would continue until all the rights of the employees of this company have been restored.