Read this article in:
English
22 March, 2024Following the decision in last year’s regional conference, IndustriALL and affiliates from the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT) organized a meeting on Just Transition. More than 50 union leaders from the country’s textile, metals, oil and mining sectors participated in the meeting on 28 February.
Given Tunisia’s oil refineries and strategic position on the Mediterranean shores, the country plays a vital role in providing Europe with natural gas through the Trans-Mediterranean (Transmed) pipeline.
Tunisia has significant potential for renewable energy, particularly wind and solar power. However, the country is still heavily dependent on fossil gas for electricity generation and is currently facing an energy crisis.
Noureddine Taboubi, UGTT secretary-general argued that training and developing the knowledge of trade unionists is crucial since because it would enable them to present scientific alternatives. He stressed that unions should have an active role in the energy transition.”
Participants from the various sectors emphasized the fact that the transition is happening through the energy transition as well as adopting new technologies as this affecting their jobs and working conditions.
Water resources in Tunisia are scarce and irregular. Suffering a drought for four years running, water supplies have been cut off for seven hours per night since March 2023. As well as cutting off overnight water supplies, Tunisia’s agriculture ministry has banned the use of drinking water to wash cars, water green areas and clean streets and public places. Violators face a fine and imprisonment for a period of between six days to six months.
Ahmed Kamel, IndustriALL regional secretary, said that climate developments are very serious and have implications on working conditions in the region.
“It is important to pay attention to the changes in the world of work that climate changes will impose. The world will continue to depend on new technologies, and it is necessary for trade unionists to well prepare and take a position on those changes.”
Said Atle Høie, IndustriALL general secretary:
“Unions must do their part to ensure a just transition that is not at the expense of the workers. Workers and their unions must determine what changes the just transition will bring about and contribute to the ongoing debates in order to ensure that the transition is fair.”