Algerian workers affiliated with the General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA) are planning a national sit-in on Wednesday to demand the removal of the union's secretary general, Abdelmadjid Sidi Saïd. The sit-in is part of a growing movement to "liberate" the UGTA from what they see as a symbol of the current system. According to Chadly Bouferoua, a meeting was held at the UGTA's local union office in Rouiba, attended by representatives from various sectors and regions.
The meeting, which took place on Tuesday morning, was attended by representatives from the wilayas of Saïda, Tlemcen, Tizi Ouzou, Béjaïa, Ouargla, and others. The attendees reportedly agreed to mobilize and participate in the national sit-in, scheduled to take place at the UGTA's central office on Wednesday at 9:30 am. The event aims to demand Sidi Saïd's departure and reclaim the UGTA for the workers.
The UGTA's local union in Tizi-Ouzou has also issued a statement, denouncing the current leadership and calling for Sidi Saïd's removal. The statement, which is the union's fourth since the February 22 revolution, describes the current leadership as "impostors" and rejects the legitimacy of a recent meeting held by the union's national executive committee.
The Tizi-Ouzou union statement also condemns provocative comments made by the secretary general of the Algiers wilaya union, holding him responsible for any potential unrest during the sit-in. The statement emphasizes the need for unity and mobilization among workers to demand the removal of the current leadership and reclaim the UGTA.
The national sit-in is part of a broader movement to reform the UGTA and make it more representative of workers' interests. The current leadership, led by Sidi Saïd, has been criticized for being out of touch with workers and for failing to address their concerns. The sit-in is seen as a key moment in the movement to reclaim the UGTA and make it more accountable to its members.
The UGTA's local union in Tizi-Ouzou has also reported instances of persecution and arrest of syndicalists who have participated in previous sit-ins. The union has called for workers to unite and participate in the national sit-in to demand the removal of the current leadership and to reclaim the UGTA.
The outcome of the national sit-in and its impact on the UGTA's leadership remains to be seen. However, the event is expected to draw significant attention and participation from workers across Algeria, highlighting the growing discontent with the current leadership and the need for reform.
Key points
- Workers to hold national sit-in to demand removal of UGTA leader Abdelmadjid Sidi Saïd.
- The sit-in is part of a broader movement to reform the UGTA and make it more representative of workers' interests.
- The current leadership has been criticized for being out of touch with workers and for failing to address their concerns.
