Algerian appliance manufacturer ENIEM has announced the temporary halt of its production chain in Oued-Aissi, Tizi-Ouzou province, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The decision was made during an extraordinary meeting of the company's management board on March 22, 2020. The board discussed the country's epidemiological situation and the government's measures to limit the spread of the virus. As a result, the company has decided to suspend its activities from March 22 to April 21, 2020.

The suspension of production is attributed to the significant absenteeism rate recorded on March 22 and issues related to the customs clearance of raw materials at ports and airports. ENIEM's management and social partners have agreed to halt activity during this period. The company has instructed its directors to organize the departure of personnel on leave, following specific guidelines. These include using up annual leave balances first, then taking anticipated annual leave, and finally, taking unpaid leave for those who have already used their anticipated leave.

Workers taking unpaid leave can request an advance on their salary, which will be reimbursed at a later date. The company's central directors, unit directors, and service heads are required to ensure the continuity of essential functions, such as procurement, transit, and payroll management. They must also make necessary protective equipment available to retained workers to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Algerian government has implemented various measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, including the suspension of public transportation services, inter-city road transport, and passenger rail transport. These measures have impacted ENIEM's operations, leading to the temporary halt of production. The company aims to minimize the effects of the pandemic on its activities and ensure a smooth return to work once the situation improves.

ENIEM's decision to halt production and send workers on leave reflects the challenges faced by businesses in Algeria due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company's efforts to adapt to the situation and ensure the safety of its workers demonstrate its commitment to responsible management during this difficult period.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the global economy, with many countries implementing measures to slow the spread of the virus. Algeria has reported a growing number of cases, prompting the government to take action to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. ENIEM's temporary halt of production is part of a broader response to the crisis.

As the situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve, ENIEM and other Algerian businesses will need to remain flexible and adapt to changing circumstances. The company's ability to manage this challenging period effectively will be crucial in ensuring its long-term sustainability and success.

Key points

  • ENIEM halts production due to COVID-19 concerns
  • Workers sent on leave with options for advance on salary
  • Company takes measures to ensure continuity of essential functions

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.