Unions in Algeria rally behind generals’ speech and ignore workers’ concerns

Unlike other countries around the world which celebrated Labor Day by demonstrating in the streets to defend the problems of active and retired workers, and seek new benefits to improve their social situation, neighboring Algeria chose not to just an exception. This comes after the general secretary of the General Union of Algerian Workers called on the working class to preserve the country’s higher interests and support the government’s development efforts, while ignoring the concerns of the working class that have been traditionally raised on this occasion. This is happening while the social front is experiencing a silent malaise due to inflation, rising prices, unemployment and restrictions on the right to strike and union association.

The secretary general of the historic trade union organization in Algeria has painted a picture of conspiracy against the best interests of the country, in order to prevent any form of future demonstrations, lest they boil over and demand changes to ensure a life decent to the citizens and keep the generals away from the control and plundering of the country’s wealth.

He declared that it was now necessary to create a strong workers’ front to preserve the country’s higher interests and support the various development efforts undertaken by public authorities. He stressed that this enterprise is part of the preservation of historical capital and the struggle of the General Union of Algerian Workers, born from the glorious revolution of February 24, 1956.

The contrast between the official representation of unions in the media and the reality of the situation on the ground is striking. Despite attempts to present an image of stability, many observers describe silent social unrest, fueled by a decline in space for protest and union action.

In this context, the recent strike by independent teachers has highlighted growing social tensions and dissatisfaction with the measures taken by the government to deal with the crisis. Despite the increase in wages and the creation of an allowance for the unemployed, these actions are perceived as insufficient to respond to the economic and social challenges facing the population.

Ultimately, it appears crucial for unions to reconnect with their primary mission: to defend the interests of workers and fight for a more just and equitable society. Only a genuine commitment to these goals will allow us to overcome current obstacles and build a better future for all.

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