Today the Tunisian trade union UGTT was named as one of the recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize, awarded to the National Dialogue Quartet for its role in the country's peaceful transition to democracy.
ETUC General Secretary Luca Visentini warmly welcomed the award. “The UGTT richly deserve the prize and the recognition it brings” he said.
"Trade unions have a vital role to play in promoting social dialogue not just in Tunisia, North Africa and the Arab states but throughout the world, including Europe. The joint commitment with employers was a condition of success.
“In light of the alarming terrorist attacks in Tunisia in recent months, it is more crucial than ever that unions should be fully involved in the democratic development of the country.
“The ETUC has cooperated closely with the UGTT, demonstrating trade union solidarity throughout the transition in Tunisia. Today, the Nobel Prize acknowledges the importance of the role of trade unions in our democracy and society.”
UGTT General Secretary Hussein Abassi was a guest speaker at the recent ETUC Congress in Paris.
The ETUC is engaged together with the UGTT to strengthen social and trade union cooperation between Europe and the countries of the Southern Mediterranean in the framework of Euromed.
