The UGTT, as part of the national dialogue quartet, was awarded the prize for its ‘decisive contribution to the building of a pluralistic democracy in Tunisia’. The quartet is credited for its vital role in mediating between the different Islamic and secular coalition parties in Tunisia’s post-Arab Spring government.
In a letter to UGTT general secretary Houcine Abassi, Sharon Li from SOS Singapore and Travis Harrison from Unifor, Canada said:
“We are proud to be part of the same trade union family.
“The UGTT’s leadership of Tunisia’s National Dialogue Quartet has shown the world that the trade union movement – the world’s largest democratic movement – has a key role in mobilising ordinary people - who want peace and freedom - to stand up for stability, democracy and a civil society. This is an inspiration for trade unionists worldwide.
“As young transport trade unionists, we share special joy and pride in the role of UGTT’s ITF-affiliated members, Federation Generale des Ports et Dockers, Federation Nationale des Transports and Federation Nationale des Chemins De Fer Tunisien.”
They added that the award motivated them in their “struggle to create a better world for workers, people, and the environment”.
