Employees of the Arab Union Construction Company have announced their intention to begin an open-ended strike starting tomorrow, Sunday. The strike will involve the closure of all company sites, including the Tripoli Tower site, the Al-Burj Cement Factory in Zliten, and the Sawani site.
The employees’ decision comes in protest against a recent decree by the Finance Minister of the outgoing Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, granting unrestricted authority to the company’s General Manager.
In a statement, employees accused the General Manager of sidelining the company’s Board of Directors and violating established laws and regulations. They argue that the move undermines the company’s governance structure and compromises its operational integrity.
The strike aims to draw attention to their demands for accountability and adherence to corporate regulations. The employees emphasized their commitment to pursuing lawful actions to protect the company’s interests.
This development adds pressure to an already fragile construction sector in Libya, which has been grappling with challenges amid the country’s ongoing political and economic uncertainties.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
