Tunisia: Taxi drivers to launch open-ended general strike on March 26

Event

The Tunisian Union of Individual Taxis announced on Monday, March 19, that it will launch an open-ended general strike on Monday, March 26, protesting the unwillingness of the Ministry of Transport to respond to their demands for higher taxi fares, additional fuel subsidies, and a revision of regulations for the industry, among other points. Additionally, the union has called for all taxi drivers to hold sit-in protests in front of the Ministry of Transport and at taxi stands from 06:00 (local time) on March 26.

Additional taxi driver protests are possible in Tunis in the coming days. Transportation disruptions are expected, as well as higher demand for alternate means of transportation, during the planned strike and protests. Union leaders may extend the planned strike and protests beyond March 26 if no agreement is reached with the Ministry of Transport in the coming days.

Context

The union initially called for related strikes to be held in January, but postponed them amid apparent progress in negotiations with the Ministry of Transport. Union leaders decided on March 18 to again organize strike activities to pressure the Ministry of Transport to more urgently fulfill the union's demands.

Advice

Individuals in Tunis on March 26 are advised to book necessary transportation services as early as possible in anticipation of a shortage of available taxis, allow for extra time to reach their destinations in affected areas, and avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution.