Thousands of workers and unionists affiliated with the Union générale des travailleurs algériens (UGTA) gathered in front of the central union's headquarters in Algiers, demanding the immediate resignation of Secretary General Abdelmadjid Sidi Saïd. The protesters, who came from various regions of the country, occupied Rue Aissat Idir, where the UGTA's office is located, and chanted slogans against Sidi Saïd. The union's office was closed for the day, and a significant security presence was deployed to prevent the protesters from entering the building.
The protesters accused Sidi Saïd of betraying the trust of the workers and demanded a change not only in leadership but also in the organization's functioning. They claimed that the UGTA had strayed from its union missions and cultivated suspicious relationships with the political power and employers. The demonstrators chanted slogans such as "Sidi Saïd dégage" and "La Centrale syndicale n'est pas à vendre", calling for the secretary general's departure.
Despite Sidi Saïd's announcement of the 13th congress on April 27, where he promised not to seek a new term, the workers decided to maintain pressure on him. The protesters were met with a significant security presence, but unlike previous demonstrations, the police did not use force, instead blocking the entrance to the UGTA's headquarters and preventing the protesters from entering.
A member of the UGTA's national secretariat stated that the workers were demanding a change in the organization's functioning and that they wanted to reclaim their union. The same source explained that the UGTA had deviated from its union missions and that this had led to the workers' legitimate demands for change.
The protest was marked by a significant security presence, with police deployed to prevent the protesters from entering the UGTA's headquarters. However, the police did not use force, and the demonstration remained peaceful. The protesters came from various regions of the country, indicating widespread discontent with Sidi Saïd's leadership.
The UGTA's crisis is not expected to subside soon, with workers and unionists vowing to continue their protests until their demands are met. The organization's leadership has been criticized for its close ties to the government and employers, leading to accusations of corruption and cronyism.
The protesters' demands for change go beyond Sidi Saïd's resignation, with calls for a complete overhaul of the UGTA's leadership and structure. The organization's future remains uncertain, with the 13th congress approaching and the workers' discontent showing no signs of abating.
Key points
- Workers demand UGTA secretary general Abdelmadjid Sidi Saïd's resignation
- Protesters accuse Sidi Saïd of betraying workers' trust and cultivating ties with government and employers
- UGTA's crisis is expected to continue, with workers vowing to protest until demands are met
