"Tunisia will not be built with individualism," UGTT secretary general Noureddine Taboubi told AFP after addressing supporters, calling on the president to adopt a "participatory approach".

"Work, freedom and national dignity," the demonstrators chanted. "With our souls and our blood, we will defend the UGTT."

Saied sacked the government, suspended parliament and assumed exceptional powers on July 25, citing an "imminent threat" to the country. Many of his detractors have accused him of staging a constitutional takeover.

On September 22, Saied suspended parts of the constitution and installed rule by decree.

The president has since sought to assure Washington that he is seeking a way out of the state of exception.

The UGTT was a joint winner of the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize for its role in the transition from the iron-fisted rule of deposed president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.