(TAP) - "Proposals on wage increases in the civil service were sent to the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) at the negotiating session held Wednesday and we are waiting for its response," Prime Minister Youssef Chahed said on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters after the inauguration of the public centre for autism in Sidi Hassine Sejoumi in Tunis, Chahed added that negotiations continue with the secretary general of the UGTT, stressing that his government wishes to improve the social situation of employees but taking into account the resources of the State.

"We would like this strike scheduled for January 17 in the public and civil service sectors to be canceled," he said.

Social Affairs Minister Mohamed Trabelsi, for his part, said the negotiation session between the two parties lasted more than 3 hours, noting that the UGTT promised to examine the proposals.

Regarding the issue of secondary school teachers, Trabelsi said the current negotiations in the civil service sector concern several sectors including education, health, finance and the post office.

Regarding the boycott of secondary school exams, he said no party has the right to blackmail the government, adding that all parties must shoulder their responsibilities