Tunisian fuel transport workers strike two days over wages, social security

Tunisian fuel transport workers began a two-day strike at 00:00 local time on Wednesday, halting operations to press demands for better working conditions and higher wages.

Legal Status and Official Notification

The General Union of Tunisian Workers—the country’s largest trade union—announced the strike in a statement issued late Tuesday. It specified that the action would run from midnight Wednesday through 23:59 Thursday local time.

Assistant Secretary-General Slouan Al-Smiri confirmed the union issued formal strike notification approximately one month prior to the action. The notice was sent via postal mail to all relevant parties: the National Chamber of Hazardous Materials Transport (affiliated with the employers’ organization), the Ministries of Social Affairs and Transport, and the General Labour Inspectorate. Al-Smiri stated all recipients acknowledged receipt of the notification.

Al-Smiri affirmed the strike is legally conducted under Tunisian labour law.

Core Grievances and Financial Delays

At the heart of the dispute are unresolved financial obligations toward workers, specifically unpaid dues owed to the National Social Security Fund. Al-Smiri also cited delays in disbursing agreed-upon allowances.

He noted the second instalment of social coverage funding for 2022 was settled only last week—a development that did not resolve broader outstanding issues.

Operational Impact on Fuel Supply Chain

The strike immediately disrupted fuel distribution, triggering long queues at numerous service stations across the capital and other cities.

Fuel distribution stations rely entirely on transport trucks to deliver supplies from petroleum companies’ depots to urban and regional outlets. Any suspension of driver activity therefore directly and immediately affects fuel availability and market stability.

This follows an earlier surprise strike in late August, during which fuel stocks at service stations were exhausted within hours. That action prompted thousands of citizens to rush to fill their vehicle tanks, causing severe supply chain disruption and major traffic congestion.

Employers’ Response and Stockpiling Measures

Fethi Al-Zouari, head of the National Chamber of Hazardous Materials Transport—under the employers’ organization—told Al-Ain News that fuel transport companies implemented necessary measures to secure sufficient stock at petrol stations.

He clarified that fuel deliveries had not ceased since Saturday, preceding the strike’s start.

Al-Zouari contested the strike’s legality, asserting companies did not receive official strike notification through formal channels.

He added many Tunisian citizens proactively filled their vehicle tanks in anticipation of the industrial action.