Tunisia: Labour union calls for insurance and protection for gig workers
Source: Middle East Insurance Review | Aug 2026
A study by the research department of the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), the largest trade union organisation in the country, has laid bare the severe social, economic, and safety challenges confronting digital platform workers.
The lead researcher, social security expert Mr Hedi Dahman, said that the main objective of the study is to establish mechanisms to regulate the gig worker sector and to give workers access to professional structures, associations or unions defending their rights, as well as to guarantee a minimum of fundamental rights, including insurance and social security.
The study found that 98% of digital platform workers in Tunisia lack insurance or social security coverage despite facing daily risks, including road accidents, occupational hazards, illness, violence and arbitrary dismissal. Around 85% of gig workers are men aged between 28 and 65, while about 90% have only completed early secondary education. Most work long hours on a permanent basis without formal employment contracts and often do not know the identity of their actual employer.
Tunisia has around 60,000 gig workers, primarily in food and goods delivery, ride-hailing and home services. Around 75% reported having irregular incomes, underscoring the need for stronger regulation and social protection as the sector continues to expand. M