Tunisian bank workers began a two-day strike on Monday to demand pay rises, halting all financial transactions as the country struggles with an economic crisis.
The powerful UGTT union called the strike after talks over pay and working conditions broke down with the banking council, which represents all public and private banks. The union says rising living costs have eroded employees’ purchasing power and is demanding “urgent adjustments” to salaries.
Lines formed at cash points as the walkout started, but customers said many of the machines were broken.
The strike highlighted UGTT’s enduring influence in a country where President Kais Saied has centralized power since he began ruling by decree in 2021. The government was not immediately available for comment.
The economic crisis in Tunisia has led to shortages of essential goods, poor public services, and a severe shortage of foreign funding and investment.
Bank workers are demanding better pay and working conditions, with one worker saying, “Bank employees are suffering like all Tunisians with rising cost of living.” The strike is seen as a challenge to the government’s ability to manage the economy and provide for its citizens.
