Workers at the Algerian Distribution Unit (ADE) in Tizi Ouzou have taken their protests to the next level, staging a sit-in at the unit's headquarters. The workers, affiliated with the UGTA union, have been observing a two-day weekly strike for 15 days. The strike, which began with a meeting between workers and union representatives, aims to push for salary increases and address grievances over the unit's poor working conditions.
According to M. Azem Said, the union's training officer, the workers' salaries are woefully inadequate, ranging from 24,000 to 30,000 Algerian Dinar (DA). Azem described the salaries as "indemnities" and characterized the situation as "infernale" given the workload. The workers are demanding a revision of the salary grid, which they believe will help alleviate their financial struggles. The union has been in discussions with the unit's management, but so far, no resolution has been reached.
The workers have decided to escalate their protests, with plans for an indefinite strike starting Wednesday. The union has taken steps to engage with the unit's management and the broader directorate, but these efforts have yielded no results. Azem expressed frustration at the lack of dialogue, stating that the workers are "fed up" with the current situation and will no longer tolerate the meager salaries.
The union's strategy involves a three-stage process, beginning with a two-day weekly strike for 15 days. If this does not yield results, the workers will move to an indefinite strike. The final stage involves shutting down operations, a move that the union hopes to avoid. Azem emphasized that the workers are committed to finding a resolution through dialogue, but are prepared to take further action if necessary.
According to Azem, the unit's management has made promises to address the workers' concerns, but these have not been fulfilled. The workers are seeking a meaningful increase in their salaries, which they believe will help them cope with the rising cost of living. The union is urging the unit's management to engage in constructive dialogue to find a solution to the crisis.
The strike has significant implications for the region, with potential disruptions to essential services. The workers are determined to push for their demands, and the union is prepared to support them throughout the process. Azem expressed hope that a resolution can be reached through dialogue, but emphasized that the workers will not back down until their demands are met.
The situation remains tense, with the workers and the union waiting for a response from the unit's management. The indefinite strike is set to begin on Wednesday, unless a last-minute agreement is reached. The workers' demands for a salary increase and improved working conditions are clear, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.
Key points
- Algerian workers at the Tizi Ouzou unit are demanding a revision of the salary grid.
- The workers have been on a two-day weekly strike for 15 days.
- An indefinite strike is set to begin on Wednesday if demands are not met.
