Workers at the Gafsa Phosphate Company in Tunisia have completed a three-day strike calling for improvements to health and safety conditions, implementation of previous agreements, and payment of bonuses withheld for two years.
The industrial action concluded on 3 September and achieved more than 95% participation across production areas and administrative departments, according to the union, Fédération Générale des Mineurs Tunisiens.
Fatal incident precedes strike
The strike followed the death of a worker at a Gafsa Phosphate mine on 22 August.
Two unions had attributed the fatality to inadequate health and safety measures and has called for improvements to working conditions across the company’s operations.
Workers also demanded payment of a production bonus that they say has been withheld for two years, alongside guaranteed access to social services including loans and advance payments deducted from wages.
Union cites failed discussions
FGMT, which is affiliated with the Union Générale Tunisienne du Travail and IndustriALL, said it had submitted demands to management on 30 June.
According to the union, management did not adequately respond to those demands and a meeting scheduled for 4 August was subsequently cancelled without explanation.
The union said these developments, combined with the fatal incident in August, contributed to the decision to proceed with industrial action.
Wider industrial relations concerns
FGMT has also linked the dispute to wider concerns surrounding industrial relations at state owned companies in Tunisia.
The union said dialogue between the government and UGTT stopped in September 2023 and claimed that state owned businesses have subsequently ceased negotiations with trade unions.
Financial pressures affect workforce
The Gafsa Phosphate Company is also facing financial pressures, with the union reporting delayed wages, suspended bonuses and benefits and outstanding obligations to suppliers.
FGMT has attributed the situation to governance and structural problems within the company.
In a statement issued in March 2026, the union called on the Tunisian government to guarantee wage payments and begin reforms based on greater transparency and accountability.
Reem Hilal, FGMT – UGTT general secretary, said: “The strike demonstrates workers’ commitment to their legitimate rights.
“Workers deserve safe and healthy working conditions, timely wages and bonuses and to know the company’s future, particularly following a worker’s death.
“This year, workers increased phosphate production from 3 million to 4 million metric tons. Yet management withholds their rights and refuses dialogue. We are consulting with workers and unions to determine next steps if management refuses our demands.”
Atle Høie, IndustriALL General Secretary: “Wages, worker safety, and fundamental rights are non-negotiable. We fully support the legitimate demands of the workers and urge the company to take immediate and necessary action to address their concerns.
“Furthermore, social dialogue must be restored, not only to negotiate workers’ demands and safeguard their rights, but also to help protect the company and navigate this critical crisis.”
