Traffic jam in Tunisian capital following strike of Transtu workers (AFP)

Tunisia witnessed heavy traffic jams on Monday as tram and bus workers carried out a strike protesting against delayed salaries and not getting end-of-year bonuses.

The country has been facing similar strikes lately as it struggles with an economic crisis causing recurrent lack of basic necessities such as petrol and cooking oil.

The IMF announced earlier in October reached an agreement with Tunisia to support its economy with $1.9 billion, which has amounted to debts surpassing its GDP.

In July 2021, Tunisian President Kais Saied took exceptional measures and suspended Parliament, prompting the government to ask the IMF for its fourth bailout.

Upon a call made by the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), workers from the government-owned transport company Transtu walked out while hundreds gathered to protest outside the office of the prime minister.

Transtu operates almost 250 bus routes and 15 tram lines and had also witnessed a strike earlier in November during the school holidays during which the use of public transport by families is at its peak.

Most transport services in the country's capital were halted affecting nearly the three million residents of the city, Transtu stated.

According to the transport ministry, "wildcat strike paralyzed transport across Greater Tunis... disrupting the functioning of public services and the interests of the citizen".

The ministry added that Transtu workers received their starting December 29, stressing that the "real reason for the strikes is a different set of financial demands, in the form of an annual bonus" to over 7,000 employees, amounting to more than $5 million.

The bonus will be paid, the ministry added, noting that it was communicating with "all concerned parties to avoid further disruptions".

The IMF demanded the country carry out reforms, including the gradual lifting of subsidies on basic goods and restructuring of public companies, one of which is Transtu.

It's noteworthy that Tunisia has been witnessing a major political crisis since July 25, 2021, when Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed the Prime Minister and suspended the parliament, which was then chaired by Ennahda's leader Rached Ghannouchi, before dissolving it.