Adopted on May 23 by the Assembly of Representatives of the People, the reform of the Tunisian Labor Code continues to arouse strong reactions. Presented by the government as a historic turning point in favor of the dignity of workers, it could, according to several specialists, deeply destabilize the economic fabric of the country.
In an analysis published on June 2 on the legal site, the chartered accountant Wassim Turki examines the implications of the law 2025-09, promulgated in the Official Journal of May 23, 2025. This new text in depth redesign labor law in Tunisia.
The reform now erects the indefinite contract (CDI) as a standard. Fixed -term contracts (CDD) become exceptional and strictly supervised. Their appeal will only be possible in three specific cases: additional work, temporary replacement, or seasonal activity. The absence of compliance with these conditions leads to automatic requalification of the contract in permanent contracts.
The CDI, on the other hand, is now subject to a six -month trial period, renewable only once. Its written form becomes imperative. In the absence of writing, the contract is deemed to be concluded for an indefinite period.
Another fundamental part: the explicit ban on the subcontracting of labor, with criminal sanctions. Cleaning and guarding companies are affected. A fine of 10,000 dinars is planned for natural persons, doubled for legal persons. In the event of a recurrence, prison terms are applicable.
Wassim Turki insists on the new obligations which now weigh on service providers and beneficiaries. The latter will have to guarantee the rights of workers involved in their premises, as if they were their own employees, and could be held jointly responsible in the event of breach.
Finally, the expert draws attention to transitional measures. Some fixed -term contracts will be automatically converted to a permanent contract, even if they were broken before the entry into force of the law. An indemnity of two months’ salary per year of seniority is provided for in the event of a dispute, provided that it acts within one year.
