The Banking and Financial Council (CBF) reacted strongly to the call for a strike launched by the General Federation of Banks and Financial Establishments (UGTT) for November 3 and 4. In a press release published Thursday, the CBF believes that this movement has “no social or economic justification” and that it risks harming the interests of citizens and businesses.
The CBF warns of the consequences of the strike
According to the Council, this strike would take place “at a time when the general interest requires more work, effort and solidarity”. It warns of the disruptions that such a shutdown could cause in essential banking services, affecting individuals, businesses and financial institutions.
The CBF thus calls for collective responsibility, emphasizing the need to preserve the stability of the sector at a delicate time for the national economy.
Commitment to salary increases reaffirmed
The Council also assures its commitment to apply the provisions provided for by the 2026 Finance Law, in particular article 15, which provides for a salary increase upon publication of the implementing decree in the Official Journal of the Tunisian Republic.
The CBF affirms its commitment to “continuous improvement of the working conditions and purchasing power” of its employees, considering human capital as the key to the sustainability and development of the banking and financial sector, a central pillar of the national economy.
While recognizing that the strike is a fundamental right guaranteed by law, the CBF insists on strict compliance with legal procedures and regulatory provisions in force.
The Federation calls on the president to intervene
For its part, the General Federation of Banks, Financial Institutions and Insurance Companies is maintaining the strike on November 3 and 4 and calling on President Kaïs Saïed to intervene to force the Banking and Financial Council to resume dialogue.
Its secretary general, Ahmed Jaziri, deplores the failure of the negotiations and the lack of response from the Ministry of Finance and the Presidency of the Government. He affirms that the banking sector was excluded in particular from the 25% salary increase planned for 2025, unlike other professions. According to him, only a resumption of dialogue can avoid a paralysis of the banking sector.
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