Ericsson Tunisia workers win landmark deal in union-led victory for labor rights

In a major triumph for trade union strength and workers’ rights, employees at Ericsson Tunisia have secured a groundbreaking collective bargaining agreement (CBA) after more than two years of negotiations.

The agreement guarantees that staff transferring from the former Branch Office (BTN) to the newly established local entity, Ericsson Tunisie (ETN), will retain their full employment history, seniority, and rights, while gaining substantial new benefits. The outcome marks a rare and significant win for workers amid the growing trend of corporate restructuring.

The breakthrough was made possible through the tireless efforts of the Ericsson Tunisia union—boasting 46 of 47 transferred workers as members—and strong support from UNI Global Union and the UGTT’s General Federation of Information Technologies and Services. Originally concerned that the transition could strip employees of job security by classifying them as new hires, the union pushed through to ensure robust protections and improved conditions. The final agreement includes a 10% pay rise, an annual 14-month salary structure, clear redundancy safeguards, and a financial guarantee from Ericsson LME to protect workers in case of future instability.

Describing the deal as more than a typical employment package, Keith Jacobs, Regional Secretary of UNI Africa, hailed it as a benchmark for multinational companies. “It sets a precedent for how corporate transitions must uphold workers’ rights,” he said. UNI Global Union praised both the workers for their resilience and Ericsson for ultimately engaging in constructive dialogue, stating that the agreement not only reflects corporate responsibility but also highlights the enduring strength of union solidarity.