UGTT denounces national tragedy of workplace accidents, blames state and employers

The union's social protection and informal sector department reported a rise in serious and fatal accidents, particularly in the private sector, noting four deaths in one week without official response. Annually, Tunisia records 25,000 to 26,000 workplace accidents, with approximately 120 fatalities, averaging one death every three days. The UGTT attributes these figures to the current system's failure to protect workers, citing neglected policies, insufficient oversight, and non-compliance with safety standards.

The union also highlighted the disregard for international conventions on occupational health and safety, the lack of decent working conditions, and inadequate preventive training. Weak labor inspections and occupational medicine are also blamed for allowing non-compliant companies to violate laws without penalty. The UGTT holds the Ministry of Social Affairs responsible for insufficient control mechanisms and ineffective law enforcement, and Utica for prioritizing profit over worker safety.

The union emphasized the significant human, social, and financial impact of these accidents, which have devastated families and burdened social security funds. The UGTT demands immediate and transparent investigations into recent accidents, effective implementation of international conventions, strengthened