The strike at the Office du Parc Omnisports de la Wilaya de Bouira (OPOW) has entered its third month, with workers, cadres, and functionaries refusing to back down. They are demanding the departure of Director Fouad Dabba, whom they claim does not treat them with respect. The strike, which began in November, has had negative repercussions on the functioning of various infrastructures, including swimming pools and sports halls.
Despite multiple actions of protest and meetings with high-ranking officials, including the Secretary General of the wilaya, the Wali of Bouira, and the new Minister of Youth and Sports, Bernaoui, the situation has not changed. The strikers have not received their last two paychecks and are criticizing the Wali of Bouira for not taking decisive action. They believe he should have sent an investigative commission to verify their claims.
The conflict is proving difficult to resolve, with the Wali and the Minister of Youth and Sports seemingly passing the buck. The strikers are frustrated by this lack of responsibility and the resulting inaction. They claim that the Wali refers them to the Minister of Youth and Sports, while the minister sends them back to the Wali.
As a result of the strike, all services attached to the OPOW are currently blocked, including the swimming pools. The wilaya of Bouira has around ten swimming pools that are usually opened to citizens during the summer months for a symbolic fee. The strikers argue that this situation forces young people to swim in dams and reservoirs, which poses significant risks.
One of the strikers expressed frustration at the situation, stating that the Wali and the Minister of Youth and Sports are not taking their demands seriously. They called on both officials to intervene to put an end to the strike. The strikers also expressed their support for Bachir Ben Slikh, a union activist who has been defending their interests but has been suspended from his post.
The situation at the OPOW reflects a deeper malaise within the sports sector in the wilaya of Bouira. When Larbi Abdelaoui was appointed head of the DJS de Bouira, he met with the striking workers and designated Smaili Ali to replace the director of the OPOW, but was unable to proceed with the installation.
The strike at the OPOW is a symptom of a larger problem, with many unanswered questions and unclear motives. The workers remain determined to achieve their goal, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. The key issues at stake include the demand for the director's departure, the non-payment of salaries, and the impact on the local community.
Key points
- The strike at Bouira's OPOW has entered its third month, with workers demanding the departure of Director Fouad Dabba.
- The strike has had negative repercussions on the functioning of various infrastructures, including swimming pools and sports halls.
- The Wali and the Minister of Youth and Sports seem to be passing the buck, leaving the strikers frustrated and without a resolution.
