Tunis – On Monday morning, Tunisia witnessed a general strike in banks and financial institutions. Organized by the General Federation of Banks and Financial Institutions, affiliated with the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), the strike lasted two days. This resulted in a near-complete halt to banking services in most branches of financial institutions.
The Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) issued a statement on Monday announcing the support of the General Federation of Agriculture’s executive office for the strike. The statement affirmed the UGTT’s “absolute and unconditional support for the General Federation of Banks and all its members in their defense of their legitimate rights.” It called on the relevant authorities to respond immediately to the just demands of the banking sector’s employees and to end the policy of procrastination and disregard. The statement also reiterated the importance of union unity and the necessity for all union structures to support the employees’ struggle to achieve their legitimate demands.
Almost complete halt of banking services
Between 80 and 90% of branches were closed, with a complete halt to cash deposit and withdrawal operations within branches, internal bank transfers, and the operation of exchange offices.
In contrast, some mobile banking applications are only partially operational. Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Tunisia issued Emergency Memorandum No. 175/2025 to ensure the continuity of essential services. These measures include ensuring ATMs are stocked with cash around the clock.
This also includes electronic transfers and bill payments using Visa and Mastercard. It further encompasses the timely disbursement of public sector salaries and the manual processing of urgent international payments, including those for imported medicines.
Reasons for the strike
The General Union of Banks confirmed that the strike is in protest against the breakdown of social negotiations. This relates to the refusal of bank owners to meet employee demands for a wage increase for the years 2025-2027.
The banking council indicated that the increase would only be implemented in 2026. This sparked discontent among approximately 24,000 employees in the sector, who are already struggling with the pressures of daily life and the interruption of their salaries.
