Tunisian Labor Union Vows to Protect State-Owned Company from Privatization

The General Secretary of the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT), Slaheddine Selmi, emphasized on Friday that the central trade union is firmly committed to preserving the Tunisian Society of Handling and Storage (STAM) and categorically rejects any attempt at privatization.

Speaking at a gathering of STAM workers, Selmi pointed out that the docks were built by the Tunisian state using funds from the national community and should be operated by this public enterprise.

The UGTT General Secretary asserted at the gathering that workers have the right to defend the public enterprise, considered a people's achievement, warning against the risks of privatization and fragmentation of certain public companies, such as the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Society.

Selmi clarified that this meeting was not intended to demand salary or union increases and falls within the framework of the UGTT's strategy to support public enterprises and protect them against privatization.

He praised the role of workers in defending their company, which, he said, honors all trade unionists and upholds the values of the central trade union.

It is worth noting that the UGTT maintains its firm stance against the privatization or sale of public enterprises, describing it as a "red line" that should not be crossed.

Key Points:

• The UGTT is committed to preserving the STAM and rejecting any privatization attempts.
• The docks were built by the Tunisian state using national funds and should be operated by the public enterprise.
• Workers have the right to defend public enterprises, which are considered a people's achievement.
• The UGTT is warning against the risks of privatization and fragmentation of public companies.
• The union is committed to supporting public enterprises and protecting them against privatization.