Intel: How Tunisia’s main labor union cripples economic reform

Tunisia’s largest labor union staged a nationwide strike today after the government refused to bow to its demands to increase the salaries of 670,000 public workers, a step that would run contrary to austerity measures imposed by the International Monetary Fund. The move by the Tunisia General Labor Union (UGTT), a powerful left-wing syndicate that is counted among the country’s main political actors, paralyzed rail, bus and air traffic, disrupting access to schools and hospitals. The action hit the country’s international airport as well, and most flights were canceled.

UGTT leader Nourredine Taboubi told thousands of people massed outside the union headquarters in the heart of Tunis that it was the government’s fault, saying it had chosen confrontation with public servants. “We will study the next steps on Saturday and we will step up our action and will not back down,” he vowed.