The global union movement is reaffirming its strong support for the General Tunisian Workers’ Union (UGTT) and the Tunisian people in their courageous struggle for equality, social justice, political freedom and democracy.

The popular revolt was triggered by the Dec. 17 suicide of a young street vendor in Sidi Bouzid after authorities confiscated his merchandise. The revolt has spread rapidly throughout the country and has led to the departure of former President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.

In a statement, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), which includes the AFL-CIO, said it welcomes the fall of the dictatorship in Tunisia and fully supports UGTT ’s call for an end to corruption and nepotism and a genuine transition toward a true democracy. Read the entire ITUC statement here.

The ITUC also expressed serious concern at the recent increase in attempted suicides among young unemployed men in other countries in the region, such as Algeria, Egypt, Mauritania and Yemen, to protest social injustices, poverty and the lack of freedom. In other countries, there also has been a surge in street protests against the huge rise in the prices of basic commodities and in support of the people of Tunisia.

ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow said:

The events in Tunisia are the logical outcome of the absence of civil liberties, the repressive authoritarianism and social injustice. The governments of this region must take urgent stock of their people’s needs and aspirations [and] open a real dialogue with the unions regarding the introduction of new social policies and show respect for fundamental freedoms, which is key to good governance.