The Arab Trade Union Confederation Calls for Compliance with International Standards, Environmental Protection, and a Just Transition in Gabès, Tunisia
Tunis – October 13, 2025
The Arab Trade Union Confederation (ATUC) has expressed its deep concern over the escalating protests in the southern Tunisian city of Gabès, where residents stormed the headquarters of the Tunisian Chemical Group (CGT), demanding its closure due to ongoing pollution and the resulting rise in respiratory diseases among the population.
The Confederation stated that these protests highlight the serious environmental and health challenges faced by local communities, stressing the need to adhere to international environmental standards and agreements related to environmental protection and public health, to ensure the safety of citizens and the rights of workers in a safe working environment.
ATUC pointed out that the Gabès chemical complex, established in 1972 to process phosphate, had previously been pledged to be modernized or replaced with facilities that comply with environmental standards. However, these commitments have not yet been fulfilled, further aggravating environmental and health conditions in the city.
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