The Algerian government's decision to deny approval to the Confederation of Algerian Syndicates (CSA) has sparked outrage from 13 public sector unions, which have threatened to take to the streets and stage strikes. The Intersyndicale autonome de la fonction publique, a coalition of unions from various sectors including education, healthcare, and administration, has been protesting for several years to demand improved working conditions and benefits.
According to Sadek Dziri, president of the Unpef union, the Ministry of Labor cited non-compliance with Article 2 of Law 90-14, which regulates the exercise of trade union rights. However, Dziri argued that the Ministry's reasoning was flawed, as the coalition had submitted a declaration of intent to form a confederation, not a request to establish a new union.
The Intersyndicale autonome de la fonction publique has called on the Minister of Labor to respect Algerian laws and international agreements ratified by the country. Dziri deplored the Ministry's decision as arbitrary and an attack on the rights of public sector workers. The coalition has warned that if the Ministry does not reverse its decision, it will organize protests and strikes that could disrupt several public sector services.
The dispute centers on the distinction between a union and a confederation of unions. The Intersyndicale autonome de la fonction publique argues that the Ministry's decision ignores this distinction and undermines the rights of workers to form and join unions. The coalition has submitted a response to the Ministry, highlighting the differences between the two types of organizations.
The 13 unions that make up the Intersyndicale autonome de la fonction publique have been protesting for several years to demand improved working conditions, retirement benefits, and a revision of the salary grid. The unions represent workers from various sectors, including education, healthcare, professional training, administration, agriculture, Sonelgaz, and the postal service.
The Ministry of Labor's decision has raised concerns about the potential impact on public sector services. If the Intersyndicale autonome de la fonction publique follows through on its threat of strikes and protests, it could lead to disruptions in essential services such as healthcare, education, and administration.
The situation remains tense, with the Intersyndicale autonome de la fonction publique awaiting a response from the Ministry of Labor. The outcome will likely have significant implications for public sector workers and the delivery of essential services in Algeria.
Key points
- The Algerian government's decision to deny approval to the Confederation of Algerian Syndicates has sparked a dispute with 13 public sector unions.
- The unions have threatened to stage protests and strikes if the Ministry of Labor does not reverse its decision.
- The dispute centers on the distinction between a union and a confederation of unions, with the unions arguing that the Ministry's decision undermines their rights.
