In Bejaia, Algeria, 45 workers from the Entreprise de préfabrication légère et d’aluminium (EPLA) unit staged a sit-in in front of the local wilaya office. The workers, who have not received their salaries since May, are demanding payment of their outstanding wages. This protest comes as the workers face significant financial hardship, especially with the upcoming Eid El Adha celebration. The situation has been ongoing for over two years, leaving the workers in a state of professional precariousness.
The workers at EPLA's Bejaia unit have been experiencing irregular and repeated delays in receiving their salaries. According to a representative of the protesting employees, the workers typically receive their salaries every three months, rather than on a regular monthly basis. The workers are calling for the regularization of their entire salary backlog. This protest highlights the struggles faced by workers in Algeria's industrial sector, where timely payment of wages is often a challenge.
The EPLA workers have also been facing "technical unemployment" for nearly a year due to the lack of available projects and construction sites. The workers are requesting a plan to increase the workload for their unit, as other EPLA units in Algiers and Oran continue to operate with a steady stream of projects. The workers believe that their unit has been unfairly marginalized by the company's management, leading to a lack of opportunities and resources.
This is not the first time that EPLA workers in Bejaia have taken action to demand better working conditions. In February, they went on a two-day strike to push for improvements in their socio-professional situation. The workers are seeking not only the regularization of their salaries but also the application of judicial decisions related to their permanent employment status and reimbursement of mission expenses.
The problems faced by the EPLA unit in Bejaia date back to 2013 when the company had 70 employees. According to the workers, the unit was unfairly marginalized by the company's management, which prioritized other units in Algiers and Oran. The workers claim that their unit was instrumental in launching the other units but has since been neglected, with the management opting to relocate equipment and resources to other locations.
The workers at EPLA Bejaia expressed frustration and disappointment with the company's management, accusing them of ingratitude and disrespect. They argue that their contributions to the company's success have been overlooked, and they are now being denied opportunities for work and professional growth. The workers are calling for a fair and equitable solution to their problems.
The situation at EPLA Bejaia highlights the need for improved labor practices and greater accountability within Algeria's industrial sector. The workers' demands for timely payment of wages, better working conditions, and greater job security are essential for maintaining a stable and productive workforce. The company's management will need to address these concerns to prevent further protests and disruptions.
Key points
- Workers at EPLA Bejaia have not received salaries for up to four months.
- The workers are seeking regularization of their entire salary backlog and better working conditions.
- The problems faced by EPLA Bejaia date back to 2013, when the unit was allegedly marginalized by the company's management.
