Tunisia's Recent Salary Increases Seen as "Acceptable" Amid Economic Constraints

According to labor law expert Hafedh Amouri, the recent salary increases adopted in both the public and private sectors seem "acceptable" in light of the country's economic capabilities, while highlighting their structural limitations.

In a statement to Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP), Amouri welcomed the increases granted in the public sector, public administrative establishments, and local communities, which he said "exceeded expectations." Conversely, in non-agricultural sectors, the increases are less pronounced than in the previous three years, but remain in line with the 5-6% inflation rate.

Regarding companies subject to collective bargaining agreements, Amouri deemed the increase "compatible with current economic realities," although it falls short of workers' expectations. He noted that nearly 85% of Tunisian companies employ fewer than 20 people, which mechanically reduces their room for maneuver when faced with significant salary increases.

These measures are part of a regulatory framework published in the Official Gazette of the Tunisian Republic (JOR-T) on April 30, 2026. A series of decrees covering the years 2026, 2027, and 2028 concern state agents, local government personnel, public enterprises, magistrates, and employees subject to collective bargaining agreements, in accordance with the 2026 Finance Law.

Additionally, the Ministry of Social Affairs has published regulatory decrees No. 66 to 69 of 2026, setting the Guaranteed Agricultural Minimum Wage (SMAG) and the Guaranteed Interprofessional Minimum Wage (SMIG) for non-agricultural sectors. These provisions extend to retirement pensions and provide sanctions against employers who fail to comply.

Key Takeaways:

Recent salary increases in Tunisia are seen as "acceptable" in light of the country's economic capabilities.
Increases in the public sector, public administrative establishments, and local communities exceeded expectations.
Non-agricultural sector increases are less pronounced than in previous years but remain in line with inflation.
Companies subject to collective bargaining agreements see the increase as compatible with current economic realities, although it falls short of workers' expectations.
The regulatory framework aims to ensure compliance with the 2026 Finance Law and provides sanctions against non-compliant employers.