STUDY Trade Unions in Transformation Trade Union Power and Democratic Transition in Tunisia The UGTT: A Unique Story, An Unprecedented Experience SAMI ADOUANI AND SAÏD BEN SEDRINE January 2018 n In Tunisia’s peaceful transition to democracy following the revolution in 2011, the Tunisian General Labour Union(UGTT) played a major role, leading a civil society initiative that proved decisive to overcome a phase of severe political division and crisis. The involvement of Islamists in the post-revolutionary government did not only aggravate tensions within Tunisian society, but also put the UGTT’s power to the test. The paper provides an in-depth analysis of the Tunisian success story that gained international acclaim with the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize. n A historical force since Tunisia’s struggle for independence from France, the UGTT mobilised different power resources during the revolution and transition to de­mocracy. Though nominally supportive of the regime at leadership level, the UGTT had also been a political counterweight and pooled different currents in its ranks – qualities that, along with a strong presence in all parts of the country, were key to successfully promote national dialogue. In the current context, marked by economic crisis and austerity, the UGTT faces the challenge of renewing its power to retain power, as a force aiming to shape a more socially just, democratic Tunisia. n Trade Unions in Transformation is an FES project that identifies unions’ power re­sources and capabilities that contribute to successful trade union action. This study features among two dozen case studies from around the world demonstrating how unions have transformed to get stronger.