Expulsion of ETUC General Secretary will damage international reputation of Kais Saied’s regime – ITUC

The International Trade Union Federation, ITUF, Monday slammed the expulsion by Tunisian authorities of Esther Lynch, General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) noting that the decision will “damage the international reputation of Kais Saied’s regime.
President Saied Saturday ordered the expulsion of Esther Lynch accused of interfering in the internal affairs of the North African country after she addressed a protest organized Tunisia’s powerful labor union UGTT, an affiliate of ITUC.
The ITUC in a statement said the expulsion is an attack on freedom of association rights under international law. “This expulsion is a blatant interference in the legitimate activities of trade unionists who are exercising their freedom of association rights under international law,” Owen Tudor, ITUC Deputy General Secretary said. “It will do further damage to the international reputation of Kais Saied’s regime at a time when the country needs international support due to the failure of his policies,” he added.
“We call on him to release Anis Kaabi, respect fundamental rights, including trade union freedoms, and replace his autocratic approach with one that respects the Tunisian people and their democratic rights. The problems of Tunisia today can only be resolved through democracy, dialogue, cooperation and negotiation with the unions.”
The UGTT also charged Saied’s decision arguing that it is a shame adding that the move will harm the interests of the country. The powerful labor union has called for another strike on March 4th in a sign of escalating tension with the authority.