New clashes between protestors and security forces erupted in Tunisia Monday, after a worker’s union announced that one of its members died in hospital after being shot during weekend protests over food costs and unemployment.

The fresh disturbances in Kasserine, Tala and Al-Ragab follow weekend unrest that authorities said left 14 dead. The opposition said at least 20 were killed in the violence, the deadliest since protests erupted mid-December.

Security forces fired tear gas on Monday at protesters in Kasserine, 290 kilometres (180 miles) south of the capital Tunis, said Sadok Mahmoudi from the regional branch of the UGTT workers union.

Union member Abdelbasset Kasmi died in the town's hospital early Monday after being shot in clashes on Sunday, he said. A "great number" of people were being treated in the hospital, which was put under the army's control, he said.

In the central city of Al-Ragab police dispersed protesters who gathered to mourn the death of five people, casualties of the weekend's violence, an AFP reporter said.

Police fired rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators in the western city of Tala, union sources said.

Security was also high in the Tunisian capital, Tunis, where police anti-riot vehicles were stationed in the city centre anticipating a fresh wave of protests.