2013 Annual Survey of Violations of Trade Union Rights - Algeria
| Publisher | International Trade Union Confederation |
| Publication Date | 6 June 2013 |
| Cite as | International Trade Union Confederation, 2013 Annual Survey of Violations of Trade Union Rights - Algeria, 6 June 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/51b851813e.html [accessed 8 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Travel bans against trade unionists: The Algerian authorities prevented a delegation of 96 trade unionists and civil society activists from crossing the border into Tunisia to attend the World Social Forum in March 2013. The only reason given by border police in Annaba was that the trade unionists were on a list of people banned from leaving Algeria because of "unrest".
Interference in trade union activities and harassment by police: North African trade unionists visiting Algeria to take part in the first North African Forum to Fight Unemployment and Precarious Work were harassed by police. Police raided the hotel where the trade unionists were staying and proceeded to arrest five Moroccans, three Tunisians and three Mauritanians, including two women. They were then driven directly to the airport and deported from the country. The trade unionists detained were due to take part in a meeting at the Maison des syndicats. Police surrounded the trade union premises early in the morning and prohibited any attempt to access or vacate the building.
Anti-union discrimination: In March 2013, nine trade union members were dismissed from their positions according to SNAPAP when they started to call a series of strikes from January onwards. The latest strikes were scheduled for 25, 26 and 27 February but were declared illegal by the Court of Algiers.
Arrest and sanctions against trade unionists: In October 2012, Yacine Zaïd, International Union of Food Workers representative in Algeria, was sentenced by the court in Ouargla on Monday, 8 October, to a six-month suspended prison sentence and a fine of 10,000 dinars (about 100 euros). Accused of "insulting a police officer," he had been taken into custody for one week.
Abdelkader Kherba, member of the national committee for the defence of unemployed workers and members of the LADDH (Algerian league for the defence of human rights), was arrested while he was taking part in a peaceful demonstration organised by the National Justice Federation, an affiliate of the Syndicat National Autonome des Personnels de l'Administration Publique (SNAPAP).
In February 2012, 40 unionised contract teachers affiliated to the SNAPAP were arrested including the President and General Secretary of the National Council of Contract Teachers. The trade unionists had protested in front of the presidential building against a series of tough measures for teachers being taken by the National Education Minister.
