The Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT) called a nationwide public sector strike on Nov. 22 to protest against what it called government plans to sell public companies, the latest tension with the government, which is under intense pressure.
The country has struggled to fulfill donors' demands to reform its economy and cut its budget deficit amid turmoil since the ousting of president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011.
"In the light of continued deterioration in purchasing power and government plans to sell many public companies, UGTT decided to go on general strike in the public sector on Nov. 22", Noureddine Taboubi, the head of UGTT, said.
This announcement came as prime minister Youssef Chahed faces a strong campaign from his party, which demanded his resignation and accused him of failing to revive the economy.
In this context, a government reform committee in Tunisia suggested a gradual reduction of subsidies on basic commodities and their payment in cash for those who are eligible.
The committee revealed a three-phase plan lasting between six to nine months each to stop unjust exploitation of subsidized commodities.
The subsidized food commodities included in the plan are milk, oil, bread, sugar, semolina, and others.
