Tunis — The way is still open for wage increase negotiations and the Government relies on the patriotism of the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT ), affirmed Minister in charge of Economic and Social Files Ridha Saidi.

In an exclusive interview with TAP news agency, the Minister underlined that priority will be granted at wage negotiations to the settlement of such issues as sub-contracting and insecure employment as well as the completion of sector-based conventions.

The Minister called on UGTT to take into account the strong pressure on the State budget, saying it is possible to reach a compromise without resorting to strike. "Some claims are negotiable while others are clearly beyond the current resources of the country, " he emphasised.

Mr. Saidi underlined that the Government, which perfectly understands wage earners' claims, grants priority at present to unemployed and underprivileged categories, which requires the mobilisation of large resources to carry out projects throughout the country.

The Government is indeed looking for wage rise over three years but the labour union is requiring immediate increase for one year only because this is a transitional government.