The Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) is today waging a battle to preserve the independence of trade union decision-making, its Secretary-General Noureddine Taboubi, said on the 78th anniversary of the creation of the UGTT. Speaking at a workers' rally at the Tunis Convention Centre on Saturday, he said that in the recent past, the labour organisation had chosen to prioritise wisdom and reason. He added: "The UGTT is not in a position of weakness, as some people claim." Taboubi reaffirmed that the UGTT would continue to play its social and national role in defending fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, pointing out that the workers' organisation had taken into account the economic and social context of the country and had signed an agreement with the government that would be revised if the situation changed. He reaffirmed the UGTT's commitment to consolidating the social identity of the State and strengthening its role as a regulatory force aimed at eradicating poverty, protecting vulnerable groups , defending public property and guaranteeing citizens' right to progress. The UGTT Secretary-General also called for the opening of a social dialogue and the repeal of Decree-Law No. 54, denouncing the persecution of several trade unionists, journalists and certain political figures. In addition, Taboubi reiterated that his organisation would continue to campaign to protect workers' purchasing power in the face of rising prices for consumer goods and services, call for a review of the unfair tax system, fight against precarious employment and demand wage increases and the application of the agreements of February 6, 2021 and September 15, 2022, as well as periodic reviews to improve wages and protect the rights of pensioners. On another hand, the UGTT Secretary-General condemned the position of most Western governments and the US administration, which have supported the Zionist entity in its abuses and crimes against the Palestinian people, and called for the need to continue supporting the Palestinian cau se. He also condemned the "shameful" position of the League of Arab States and the complicity of certain Arab regimes with the Zionist entity, pointing out that this situation has been imposed on the Arab peoples who support the Palestinian people's right to self-determination. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse