 The integration of Algeria into the global economy has been steadily picking up pace. The Algerian National Popular Assembly ratified an association agreement with the European Union on March 14, 2005, allowing foreign investors to gain access to Algeria’s oil resources through the passage of a law to partially privatize the national petrochemical conglomerate, Sonatrach. As a result, President Abdelaziz Boutefliqa began a program to privatize approximately 1,200 public sector companies, which remains one of the cornerstones of his government’s agenda of reforms.
In order to adapt to these economic transformations, union leaders in Algeria must first organize for the new environment, and then draw strength from a wider array of voices both within and from outside labor to influence government policy. With the goal of strengthening the role of the UGTA and autonomous unions in the development and implementation of political and economic reforms in their countries, the Solidarity Center has established an office in Algiers from which a Regional Representative directs the activities of a program covering the Arab Maghreb region.
Under the Solidarity Center’s Program Strengthening Labor in the Arab Maghreb, which was in effect from April 2005 until June 2006, several seminars were held with the theme of unions in the private sector. The seminars covered the role of unions as well as collective bargaining in the private sector in order to prepare unions and workers in Algeria for the economic changes that are taking place to ensure that workers’ rights are protected. Leaders of labor federations and regional unions participated in this workshop to learn new methods for organizing and bargaining that adapt to the privatized economy. Rank and file workers were also trained from the textile and construction sectors.
The Solidarity Center continued these efforts to assist Algerian workers in adapting to working in the private sector under its program Strengthening Labor to Respond to Economic Change from June 2006 through March 2007. Workshops were held on health and safety for workers in both the hydrocarbon and construction sectors. Health and Safety is an important issue as privatization occurs, as unions must protect their members from private companies who may not provide the proper equipment or training to their workers in the interest of cutting their costs. By teaching the workers and leaders about the safety standards, they can advocate for their rights and include minimum standards in collective bargaining agreements.
The Solidarity Center also works with the women’s committee of the UGTA and over the summer held a Summer University to allow women to discuss the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace. The Women’s Regional Empowerment Network has been replicated in Algeria with 48 women from all wilayas participating.
Future work in Algeria includes organizing workshops for the transportation sector, capacity building for autonomous unions to increase their membership and effectiveness in representing workers and bargaining on their behalf, and work with journalists on freedom of expression and association.
The Union Générale des Travailleurs Algériens (UGTA) was founded in 1956 as the labor arm of the National Liberation Front (FLN). As such, it enjoyed the sole right to represent Algerian workers until the labor law of June 1990 allowed for the organization of autonomous labor unions. The UGTA represents over 1.3 million workers, with the majority active in the private sector, and remains the only labor confederation recognized by the government.
The Syndicat Autonome National des Personnels de l’Administration Publique (SNAPAP) was founded in 1990. Although this major public sector independent union has official recognition, its members have been subjected to regular government harassment and the union has experienced censorship and interference with elections by the government.
Information de Contact
Heba F. El-Shazli Lisa McGowan
Regional Program Director, The Middle East Program Officer, The Middle East
The Solidarity Center, AFL-CIO The Solidarity Center, AFL-CIO
888 16 St. NW, Suite 400
Washington, D.C. 20006 LMcGowan@solidaritycenter.org
(202) 974 8384- Main Fax
(202) 974 8265– MENA Fax
helshazl@solidaritycenter.org |
