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"The Nobel Peace Prize for 2015 is to be awarded
to the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet,
for its decisive contribution to the building of a pluralistic democracy in Tunisia
in the wake of the Jasmine revolution of 2011."
The Nobel Peace Prize was a happy surprise
for the two main trade unions' and employers' organizations, the UGTT and UTICA.
It recognized
their contribution to preserving the democratic gains of the Tunisian revolution.
"It is international recognition for the Quartet's efforts;
and that of Tunisian civil society.
In addition, it is a recognition of Tunisia in general
because what we did was not an easy thing.
So we are very moved, very happy
and we are very honoured to have received this award."
"We couldn’t possibly have imagined a happier or more successful outcome
and would never have believed we would get the Nobel Peace Prize.
We played that role to answer the call of national duty,
our duty towards our people."
Social dialogue in Tunisia takes place not only at the top but also on the ground.
For many years there has been a conciliation process in place to avoid conflicts.
At the headquarters of the General Inspectorate of Labour
and Conciliation in Tunis,
meetings are held daily
with a Labour Inspectorate facilitator
and representatives of the UGTT and Utica.
Negotiations can often be tense
producing raised voices.
"Companies are facing more and more difficulties
and are less able to meet employee expectations.
So, we do get collective labour disputes
and we act as firefighters to help end these conflicts.
Seventy-five per cent of disputes are resolved during the conciliation process.
This is the case for collective disputes,
and in the case of individual conflicts
the success rate is about 80%."
To further promote social dialogue,
the ILO has implemented since 2012
a program for the advancement of national dialogue
and the strengthening of labour governance in Tunisia.
Social dialogue is essential for the Tunisian Minister of Social Affairs
as he reminds us of the crucial role played by the UGTT and UTICA
to establish the democratic process.
"These organizations are at the centre of Tunisian policy.
Thanks to them, Tunisia was able to resolve the crisis of its political transition,
which was particularly turbulent,
and which could have led to a serious situation
if these two organizations had not taken the initiative of starting a dialogue
with all political parties of Tunisia."