Tunisia announces 20% wage hike for textile workers for 2024-2026

The raise followed an agreement signed early this month between IndustriALL Global Union affiliate Fédération Générale du Textile, de l'Habillement, Chaussure et Cuir (FGTHCC-UGTT) and the employers’ organisation Fédération Nationale du Textile (FENATEX-UTICA).

The agreement, reached after negotiations hosted by the general labour inspection headquarters and supervised by the country’s ministry of social affairs, includes a wage increase of 6.5 per cent for 2024 and 2025, and a 7 per cent increase for 2026. A seniority bonus of 1 per cent for every second year of service was announced as well.

The agreement also includes revisions of a number of regulatory aspects, including amending the chapters of the joint sectoral textile agreement on promotions. The new revisions ensure that the same grade for promotions is maintained, guaranteeing an upward career path, an IndustriALL press release said.

“The increase is important to restore the purchasing power of workers in the sector,” said FGTHCC-UGTT general secretary Habib Al-Hazami.

IndustriALL general secretary Atle Hoie said: “This is an important union win given the difficulties experienced by the Tunisian economy. It is the result of the hard work of FGTHCC-UGTT over many years in organising and improving the sectorial social dialogue.”

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)