Press Release
The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has monitored a surge in union rights violations in the city of Sbikha, located in Qairouan Governorate. On November 9, the General Secretary of the Local Labor Union, Jamal Al-Sharif, was arrested alongside several workers.
– Protests triggered by arbitrary dismissals:
The arrests were a response to their legitimate protests against the unfair dismissal of 28 workers from the Riton Shoe Factory. The factory management had decided to shut down operations for ten days, sparking widespread anger among union members and workers. The situation worsened when lawsuits were filed against the workers, accusing them of striking and obstructing work.
CFJ highlighted that these measures, which included security and legal actions, represent a dangerous escalation against union rights. Such actions, the committee stated, fall within a broader strategy to target free union activity. They criticized the reliance on security approaches rather than dialogue and negotiation, viewing it as a blatant disregard for social justice principles and a move likely to intensify tensions in the region.
The committee also noted that court orders were issued for the detention of some arrestees, who are awaiting trial on November 21 at the Kairouan Court.
The workers’ protests, CFJ explained, stemmed from repeated violations of their material and moral rights. Despite efforts by local and regional union structures to resolve the conflict, the workers were met with escalatory administrative actions by the factory management, including arbitrary dismissals and unjust detentions.
– Condemnation and calls for dialogue:
CFJ strongly condemned the repressive measures against union members and workers in Kairouan. The committee demanded an immediate end to these violations and called for all dismissed workers to be reinstated and stressed the importance of respecting labor laws and union rights.
CFJ urged Tunisian authorities to adopt dialogue as a means of resolving disputes and to ensure a fair and stable working environment that upholds workers’ dignity.
