31
Oct 2025
12:31 UTC
Tunisia Tactical: Banking, insurance sector unions announce nationwide strike on November 3-4; allot for disruptions to banking services
Current Situation:
- According to an official statement, the General Federation of Banks and Financial Institutions, affiliated with the Tunisian General Workers Union (FGEBF-UGTT) announced a general strike on November 3-4.
- The employees will also hold a protest at the Mohammed Ali al-Hami Square in front of the UGTT headquarters on Rue Mohammed Ali at 09:00 (local time) on November 3.
- The labor action is aimed at defending union rights and negotiating wage increases for 2026.
Source: FGBEF-UGTT; UGTT
Assessment & Forecast:
- The strike announcement follows months of unsuccessful negotiations between unions and the Banking and Financial Council (CBF). Unions are demanding the restoration of wage parity after banking employees were excluded from the 25 percent salary increase planned for 2025, which was granted to other sectors. Union representatives claim that banking employees have been systematically marginalized through higher taxation and exclusion from wage mechanisms under the 2025 Finance Law. The federation additionally seeks enforcement of Law No. 41 of 2023, which caps interest rates on long-term credits but has reportedly been applied by only one bank.
- FORECAST: As the strike is organized by the UGTT’s financial sector affiliate, strong participation is expected, likely causing significant disruption to banking, insurance, and other financial services nationwide. The federation stated that the strike would be withdrawn if the Banking and Financial Council agreed to engage in dialogue. However, given the limited progress in previous negotiations over salary increases, the protest is expected to proceed. Even if talks occur, they may only lead to a temporary suspension rather than a long-term resolution, making further labor actions likely in the coming months. The FGEBF has also announced plans to call for a second strike from December 29 to 31 if no agreement is reached with the Council.
- FORECAST: The protest in Tunis is likely to draw a turnout in the high dozens. While it is expected to remain peaceful, a heightened security presence can be anticipated due to the proximity of the protest site to key government buildings. Localized travel disruptions are likely near Rue Mohammed Ali as the protest takes place on November 3.
Recommendations:
- Those operating or residing in Tunisia on November 3-4 are advised to allot for disruptions to banking, insurance, and other financial services due to the planned strike.
- Maintain vigilance and allot for disruptions near the UGTT headquarters during the morning hours on November 3 in Tunis due to the slated protest.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL
Medium
AFFECTED AREA
Nationwide
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
Low
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Confirmed
Current Situation:
- According to an official statement, the General Federation of Banks and Financial Institutions, affiliated with the Tunisian General Workers Union (FGEBF-UGTT) announced a general strike on November 3-4.
- The employees will also hold a protest at the Mohammed Ali al-Hami Square in front of the UGTT headquarters on Rue Mohammed Ali at 09:00 (local time) on November 3.
- The labor action is aimed at defending union rights and negotiating wage increases for 2026.
Source: FGBEF-UGTT; UGTT
Assessment & Forecast:
- The strike announcement follows months of unsuccessful negotiations between unions and the Banking and Financial Council (CBF). Unions are demanding the restoration of wage parity after banking employees were excluded from the 25 percent salary increase planned for 2025, which was granted to other sectors. Union representatives claim that banking employees have been systematically marginalized through higher taxation and exclusion from wage mechanisms under the 2025 Finance Law. The federation additionally seeks enforcement of Law No. 41 of 2023, which caps interest rates on long-term credits but has reportedly been applied by only one bank.
- FORECAST: As the strike is organized by the UGTT’s financial sector affiliate, strong participation is expected, likely causing significant disruption to banking, insurance, and other financial services nationwide. The federation stated that the strike would be withdrawn if the Banking and Financial Council agreed to engage in dialogue. However, given the limited progress in previous negotiations over salary increases, the protest is expected to proceed. Even if talks occur, they may only lead to a temporary suspension rather than a long-term resolution, making further labor actions likely in the coming months. The FGEBF has also announced plans to call for a second strike from December 29 to 31 if no agreement is reached with the Council.
- FORECAST: The protest in Tunis is likely to draw a turnout in the high dozens. While it is expected to remain peaceful, a heightened security presence can be anticipated due to the proximity of the protest site to key government buildings. Localized travel disruptions are likely near Rue Mohammed Ali as the protest takes place on November 3.
Recommendations:
- Those operating or residing in Tunisia on November 3-4 are advised to allot for disruptions to banking, insurance, and other financial services due to the planned strike.
- Maintain vigilance and allot for disruptions near the UGTT headquarters during the morning hours on November 3 in Tunis due to the slated protest.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL
Medium
AFFECTED AREA
Nationwide
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
Low
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Confirmed
Related Reports
Tunisia
-
ProtestTunisia Tactical: FSN calls for protest in front of Tunis’s Municipal Theatre during evening hours on October 31; allot for disruptions -
CyberGlobal Tactical (UPDATE): Ongoing gradual resumption of AWS-linked online services on October 20; allot for disruptions -
ProtestTunisia Tactical: FSN calls for protest in front of Tunis’ Municipal Theatre at 17:00 on October 17; allot for disruptions
-
ProtestTunisia Tactical: Pro-Palestinian gathering slated at Tunis’ Carthage International Airport at 12:00 on October 13; allot for disruptions
Related Reports
Tunisia
-
ProtestTunisia Tactical: FSN calls for protest in front of Tunis’s Municipal Theatre during evening hours on October 31; allot for disruptions
-
CyberGlobal Tactical (UPDATE): Ongoing gradual resumption of AWS-linked online services on October 20; allot for disruptions
-
ProtestTunisia Tactical: FSN calls for protest in front of Tunis’ Municipal Theatre at 17:00 on October 17; allot for disruptions
-
ProtestTunisia Tactical: Pro-Palestinian gathering slated at Tunis’ Carthage International Airport at 12:00 on October 13; allot for disruptions