Workers at the main factory of Algeria's National Detergent Products Company (ENAD) in Sour El-Ghozlane, Bouira province, went on strike and held a protest gathering to demand payment of their overdue salaries. The strikers claim that salaries for all employees have not been paid for over three months, with no explanation provided by the factory's administration. The workers also stated that production at the factory has not been halted due to technical issues.
The striking workers expressed frustration and concern over the delayed payments, stating that they have families and financial commitments to attend to. They threatened to paralyze the factory's activity and production if the situation is not resolved promptly. One employee stated that the administration seems unconcerned about the delay and has not provided a clear explanation or a deadline for payment.
The employee also highlighted that the factory's production has continued uninterrupted, with its products being in high demand in the market. The workers are also demanding improved working conditions and higher salaries, which they claim are already low. The factory's administration has been contacted for comment, with a source close to the administration confirming the delay in salary payments.
According to the source, the delay is due to a decline in the company's financial revenues during this period. The decline is attributed to the refusal of suppliers to deliver certain orders and the non-recovery of a significant debt from a major public directorate. The source urged the ENAD workers to be vigilant, citing an increase in manipulations aimed at disrupting the Sour El-Ghozlane factory.
The source assured that the situation will be resolved progressively, with August salaries to be paid within 24 hours. The source also promised that September salaries will be paid as soon as possible. The workers' demands and the administration's response will be closely watched to see if a resolution is reached.
The strike and protest by ENAD workers in Sour El-Ghozlane highlight the challenges faced by state-owned enterprises in Algeria. The country's economic landscape has been impacted by various factors, including fluctuations in global commodity prices and supply chain disruptions. The situation at ENAD may have implications for the broader industrial sector in Algeria.
The Algerian government has been working to address economic challenges and support state-owned enterprises. The outcome of the negotiations between ENAD workers and the administration will be crucial in determining the future of the factory and its employees. Key issues, including salary payments and working conditions, will need to be addressed to prevent further disruptions.
Key points
- Workers at ENAD's Sour El-Ghozlane factory go on strike to demand payment of overdue salaries.
- The strike is due to over three months of delay in salary payments, with no explanation provided by the administration.
- The administration cites a decline in financial revenues due to supply chain issues and unpaid debts.
