Secretary-General of the Tunisian General Labour Union (French : UGTT) Nourredine Tabboubi said he is astonished at the arrest Monday of SG of the regional union in Sfax Youssef Aouadni along with a number of trade unionists. He also paid tribute to "those trade unionists behind bars who are being unfairly prosecuted." Efforts to place constraints on trade union action and undermine the foundations of social dialogue are only intended to cover up key issues such as soaring inflation, foorstuff and medicine shortage, the dwindling purchase power, ect, Taboubbi said as he chaired a workers rally in Ennfidha, Sousse, to commemorate November 21,1950, events. The UGTT is not opposed to accountability but there is need to secure fair trials and an independent judiciary. Tabboubi further told TAP the labour union, which is the largest national organisation, will rely on its structures and programmes to attain its goals. The administrative committee will look Thursday at the draft budget for 2024 which, Tabboubi said, is not different from previous draft bills. "The draft budget is focused on taxation and does not offer alternatives for wealth creation, increased development and employability," he added. Source: EN - Agence Tunis Afrique Presse