Tunisian bakers suspend strike after deal with trade ministry

Tunisian bakers suspended their call for strike following a deal with the ministry of Trade which has agreed to disburse a portion of €78 million (TND250 million) subsidy promised to operators.

Sadok Haboubi, the treasurer of the union of bakers, told media that they have reached a deal with the ministry of trade for the disbursement of four months of subsidies, out of 14 months that the state owes them.

Mohamed Bouanen, chair of the union on Tuesday told local radio Express FM, that bakers are facing challenges to get goods supply owing to financial issues and issued an order for strike until the government delivers on its promise.

“The state owe us TND250 million,” Bouanen told the local radio station.

“There are 14 months of unpaid subsidies from the state. The bakers ask to be reimbursed in order to continue their professional activity,” he added.

Bouaden argued that the bakers are ready to resume work if they get free supplies.