LABOR PROGRAMMING NEEDS IN TUNISIA

UNCLAS TUNIS 000083 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/MAG - EHOPKINS/HARRIS, NEA/PI AND DRL/IL - ANZALDUA STATE PLEASE PASS USTR USDOL FOR ILAB - HALEY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ELAB EAID ECON EIND ETRD TS SUBJECT: LABOR PROGRAMMING NEEDS IN TUNISIA REF: STATE 200668 ¶1. (SBU) Post welcomes reftel's request for input on labor programming needs in the region. Tunisia has a strong labor history pre-dating independence, and unions are active across all sectors and throughout Tunisia. The General Union of Tunisian Workers (UGTT),the sole labor confederation, is well organized, relatively democratic and active internationally. Labor-organized strikes are common in Tunisia and often lead to improved conditions. Labor laws are among the strongest in the region; indeed, they are sometimes seen as an impediment to increased foreign and private investment. Perhaps in recognition of the strength and activism of the Tunisian labor movement, the Labor Union of Arab Maghreb Workers, which is associated with the five-nation Arab Maghreb Union (Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya),is headquartered in Tunisia. ¶2. (SBU) Unfortunately, the relatively powerful Tunisian unions are also vocal opponents of USG policies in the region. Most, if not all individuals associated with the UGTT have boycotted USG activities -- from meetings to receptions to financing -- since the Iraq war began in 2003. In recent weeks, union activists have publicly stressed their strong anti-American and pro-Saddam leanings. While most labor officials boycott embassy events, those who meet with EmbOffs refuse to cooperate in any substantive way with the USG. ¶3. (SBU) However, the UGTT and its associated unions enjoy a strong historical relationship with American unions that continues today. The AFL-CIO Solidarity Center has an active technical cooperation program with the UGTT. Over the past year, the regional Solidarity Center representative based in Algiers has organized several programs in Tunisia. Given the local environment and in order to maximize participation, post strongly recommends any USG labor programming targeting Tunisian participants be organized under the umbrella of regional or international NGOs, such as the International Labor Organization, the International Trade Union Confederation and the AFL-CIO Solidarity Center. ¶4. (SBU) In terms of programming, Tunisian labor activists have stressed their interest in improving their organization of and outreach to youth and women, who are underrepresented in many sectors' unions. Labor is also focused on the impacts of globalization and the international trade environment, including retraining displaced workers and increasing competitiveness. Post believes local unions would benefit from programming focusing on the benefits of free trade -- to workers and consumers. Additionally, Tunisian unions are relatively apolitical (domestically) and thus could be educated on appropriate and constructive means of political activism, including lobbying. ¶5. (SBU) Post is already working with regional Solidarity Center representative Lorraine Clewer to organize two labor programs: 1) A session on Labor's Role in Politics, moderated by Clewer, for post's monthly Human Rights Roundtable Series (tentatively scheduled for February),and 2) A Solidarity Center regional program on Freedom of Expression to be hosted in Tunis in spring 2007 and potentially funded by a MEPI small grant. GODEC