Noureddine Taboubi, secretary general of the Tunisian General Labour Union, at a workers' rally in Tunis. Reuters
Noureddine Taboubi, secretary general of the Tunisian General Labour Union, at a workers' rally in Tunis. Reuters
Noureddine Taboubi, secretary general of the Tunisian General Labour Union, at a workers' rally in Tunis. Reuters
Noureddine Taboubi, secretary general of the Tunisian General Labour Union, at a workers' rally in Tunis. Reuters

Tunisian union announces general strike amid economic turmoil


Erin Clare Brown
  • English
  • Arabic

Tunisia's powerful General Labour Union has called for all public service and state enterprise workers to strike on June 16 to press the government to implement social and economic agreements.

The strike notice, issued on Tuesday, condemned the government for neglecting “to reform public institutions” and tackle rising inflation. It demanded the government follow through on previous agreements with the union and immediately enter into “social negotiations that would lead to rebuilding the purchasing capacity of people for the years 2021-2023.”

Tunisia, in the midst of an economic crisis, has been struggling to find policies that will secure foreign funding and meet the demands of workers. President Kais Saied has largely focused on creating a new political structure for the country since assuming sole power last July.

The union, known as the UGTT, has pushed back against proposed wage cuts and the slashing of subsidies to secure a much needed loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The UGTT is one of the most powerful entities in Tunisian politics. General strikes called by the union have been at the heart of major social upheavals throughout its history, including during the 2011 revolution.

It has also been a key player in national dialogue, and was part of the quartet that won the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize for their role in salvaging the 2014 constitutional process.

The union has refused a role in Mr Saied's committee to draft a new constitution this month, citing a lack of inclusivity in the process which excludes political parties and other major civil society actors. Other key players have also declined to participate.

Emergency phone numbers in the UAE

Estijaba – 8001717 –  number to call to request coronavirus testing

Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111

Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre

Emirates airline – 600555555

Etihad Airways – 600555666

Ambulance – 998

Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries

Day 5, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance

Moment of the day When Dilruwan Perera dismissed Yasir Shah to end Pakistan’s limp resistance, the Sri Lankans charged around the field with the fevered delirium of a side not used to winning. Trouble was, they had not. The delivery was deemed a no ball. Sri Lanka had a nervy wait, but it was merely a stay of execution for the beleaguered hosts.

Stat of the day – 5 Pakistan have lost all 10 wickets on the fifth day of a Test five times since the start of 2016. It is an alarming departure for a side who had apparently erased regular collapses from their resume. “The only thing I can say, it’s not a mitigating excuse at all, but that’s a young batting line up, obviously trying to find their way,” said Mickey Arthur, Pakistan’s coach.

The verdict Test matches in the UAE are known for speeding up on the last two days, but this was extreme. The first two innings of this Test took 11 sessions to complete. The remaining two were done in less than four. The nature of Pakistan’s capitulation at the end showed just how difficult the transition is going to be in the post Misbah-ul-Haq era.

Guns N’ Roses’s last gig before Abu Dhabi was in Hong Kong on November 21. We were there – and here’s what they played, and in what order. You were warned.

  • It’s So Easy
  • Mr Brownstone
  • Chinese Democracy
  • Welcome to the Jungle
  • Double Talkin’ Jive
  • Better
  • Estranged
  • Live and Let Die (Wings cover)
  • Slither (Velvet Revolver cover)
  • Rocket Queen
  • You Could Be Mine
  • Shadow of Your Love
  • Attitude (Misfits cover)
  • Civil War
  • Coma
  • Love Theme from The Godfather (movie cover)
  • Sweet Child O’ Mine
  • Wichita Lineman (Jimmy Webb cover)
  • Wish You Were Here (instrumental Pink Floyd cover)
  • November Rain
  • Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden cover)
  • Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan cover)
  • Nightrain

Encore:

  • Patience
  • Don’t Cry
  • The Seeker (The Who cover)
  • Paradise City
Results
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Director: Laila Abbas

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MAIN CARD

Bantamweight 56.4kg
Abrorbek Madiminbekov v Mehdi El Jamari

Super heavyweight 94 kg
Adnan Mohammad v Mohammed Ajaraam

Lightweight 60kg
Zakaria Eljamari v Faridoon Alik Zai

Light heavyweight 81.4kg
Mahmood Amin v Taha Marrouni

Light welterweight 64.5kg
Siyovush Gulmamadov v Nouredine Samir

Light heavyweight 81.4kg
Ilyass Habibali v Haroun Baka

Updated: June 14, 2023, 7:11 AM`