The Syndicat national autonome des personnels de l’administration publique (SNAPAP) has announced the suspension of its Tizi Ouzou communal federation and called for an end to the cyclic strike that had been affecting local municipalities. According to a press release, the decision was made by the SNAPAP's Tizi Ouzou branch, which stated that the federation's activities were being suspended due to non-respect of its prerogatives. The strike had been ongoing for several weeks, with municipal workers protesting in support of the February 22 popular movement.
The SNAPAP's Tizi Ouzou branch has instructed all municipal workers to cease any initiatives taken by the suspended federation and to refrain from any form of protest until further notice. The union has also called for the restructuring of all syndical sections across various sectors. A new commission will be established to prepare for the Conseil de wilaya des travailleurs des communes, which will determine a new federation that will represent municipal workers in a more effective and apolitical manner.
The cyclic strike had been causing significant disruptions to municipal services, with citizens and elected officials expressing frustration at the periodic closures. Many felt that the strike was being used as a means of political pressure, rather than to genuinely address worker concerns. The strike had also been criticized for penalizing citizens, who were often unable to access essential services.
According to Kendriche, the SNAPAP's Tizi Ouzou coordinator, the decision to end the strike was motivated by a desire to avoid further penalizing citizens. He emphasized that the union's role was to defend workers' rights and interests, not to engage in politics. Kendriche also noted that if workers had grievances, they should be addressed through a formal platform of demands, rather than through periodic strikes.
The strike had been observed in several municipalities, including Tizi Ouzou, Bouira, and Béjaïa. However, many citizens felt that it was not a genuinely national movement, as other sectors had not followed suit. The strike had also been criticized for lacking a clear logic or rationale, with some observers noting that it had primarily benefited municipal workers.
The SNAPAP's decision to suspend the communal federation and end the strike has been welcomed by citizens and elected officials. Many have praised the union for taking a more pragmatic approach and for recognizing the need to prioritize citizens' needs. The establishment of a new commission to represent municipal workers is seen as a positive step towards finding a more effective and sustainable solution.
The outcome of the SNAPAP's decision remains to be seen, but it is clear that the cyclic strike had become unsustainable. The union's efforts to restructure and reorient its approach may help to build trust with citizens and elected officials. Ultimately, the goal is to find a solution that balances workers' rights with citizens' needs, and promotes more effective and accountable governance.
Key points
- The SNAPAP has suspended its Tizi Ouzou communal federation and called for an end to the cyclic strike that had been affecting local municipalities.
- The decision was motivated by a desire to avoid further penalizing citizens and to prioritize workers' rights and interests.
- A new commission will be established to represent municipal workers in a more effective and apolitical manner.
