Welcome to the official website of the Confederation of Productive Forces Trade Unions – COSYFOP

The Confederation of Productive Forces Trade Unions (COSYFOP) was established in 1991 as an independent and free trade union framework bringing together federations and unions from various sectors. Today, it is the second trade union confederation officially registered with the Algerian Ministry of Labour under number 30.
COSYFOP seeks to defend union freedoms and promote pluralism in a national context where these principles remain absent from the centralized organizations. Only one central organization remains recognized by the government, which facilitates its work and refuses to register new ones. This has led to the disintegration of independent union activity at the grassroots level and the weakening of its representative capacity, to the point of questioning its legitimacy.
COSYFOP does not define itself as a traditional trade union structure in the classical sense. Rather, it sees itself as a platform uniting trade unionists who are also deeply committed to the defense of human rights. For this reason, it actively engages in international advocacy aimed at:
• Reforming labor and association laws in Algeria,
• Protecting fundamental social and economic rights,
• Advancing the struggle for trade union and association freedoms.
We believe that workers' dignity can only be achieved through trade union pluralism, education, and solidarity.

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For trade union freedoms in Algeria

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Logos of Some Unions Affiliated with COSYFOP

What we do

🛡️

Defending independent trade unionists

We support trade unionists who are victims of administrative or judicial repression, and provide them with legal and media assistance.

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International advocacy

We engage with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations to document violations and submit official complaints.

🎓

Training in rights and freedoms

We organize training courses and workshops to raise workers' awareness of their rights and enhance their union capabilities.

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Advocating for Legislative Reform

We carry out advocacy campaigns and send formal communications to demand legal reforms that respect trade union freedom.

Join or Contact Us

ILO Scrutinizes Algeria’s Anti-Terrorism Law After Union Submissions on Article 87 bis" rel="bookmark">ILO Scrutinizes Algeria’s Anti-Terrorism Law After Union Submissions on Article 87 bis

The issue of trade union freedoms and freedom of expression in Algeria has witnessed a significant development at the international level, after the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations of the International Labour Organization (ILO) submitted a formal request to the Algerian government regarding the application of Article 87 bis of the Penal Code. This request comes within the framework of monitoring the implementation of ILO Convention No. 105 concerning the abolition of trade unionism.

Workplace Accidents in Algeria: Two Workers Killed in Hassi Messaoud Oil Field Fire Expose Failures in Occupational Safety" rel="bookmark">Workplace Accidents in Algeria: Two Workers Killed in Hassi Messaoud Oil Field Fire Expose Failures in Occupational Safety

Workplace accidents in Algeria continue. Two workers from ENSP GROUP were killed and several others sustained injuries of varying severity in a serious accident that occurred on March 7, 2026, at an oil field in the Hassi Messaoud region. The accident involved a Snubbing HRS 151 drilling rig after a fire broke out while working on an oil well. According to initial reports […]

March 8: Women Trade Unionists in Algeria Between Courage and Repression" rel="bookmark">March 8: Women Trade Unionists in Algeria Between Courage and Repression

On the occasion of International Women's Day, the Confederation of Productive Forces of Trade Unions extends its appreciation and respect to all Algerian working women, and in particular to the militant women trade unionists within independent unions, who continue to defend dignity and social rights in difficult circumstances marked by increasing administrative and judicial pressure. Throughout history, Algerian women have played a vital role […]

Rising Algerian Migration to Europe in 2026: Is Trade Union Repression Driving Young People to Leave?" rel="bookmark">Rising Algerian Migration to Europe in 2026: Is Trade Union Repression Driving Young People to Leave?

The increased arrival of boats carrying Algerian migrants to Spanish shores in recent weeks, particularly at the start of Ramadan, is not merely a circumstantial development, but rather reflects an accumulation of internal structural crises. However, an economic analysis alone is insufficient; there is a direct trade union, human rights, and social dimension that explains a significant part of this human exodus. The suppression of trade union activity is a driving factor for migration during […]

🎯 Watch our message and goals in less than 3 minutes

🎥 Learn about the Confederation of Productive Forces (COSYFOP)

مشاهدة الفيديو

This video provides an overview of the confederation's vision, history, and key struggles for trade union freedoms and workers' rights in Algeria. It was produced as part of a media campaign to support independent unions and raise public awareness of COSYFOP's goals.

🔸 Frequently Asked Questions 🔸

📘 Click here to view all questions
🟠 Membership and Organizing
1. How do I join the Confederation?
You can join as an individual member or initiate the creation of an independent trade union in your sector by filling out the membership form available on our website. Once your request is reviewed, the Organizing Committee will contact you.
2. Are you legally accredited?
Yes, the Confederation has been officially registered since 1991 under number 30, and its legal existence is based on Law 90-14. It was restructured in 2018 and is currently led by Brother Raouf Mellal.
3. Who is entitled to establish a sectoral union within the Confederation?
Any professional group comprising at least 15 permanent workers in the same sector may be established and joined, provided that the internal laws of the Confederation are respected.
4. Do you represent all states?
Yes, we strive to ensure nationwide representation through the independent trade unions affiliated with the Confederation.
5. Can I establish an independent trade union in my workplace?
Yes, Algerian law allows this, provided the required number of founders is met and the incorporation file is submitted to the labor inspectorate. We provide technical and legal support at all stages.
🟠 Formation and support
6. Does the Confederation provide training or courses?
Yes, we organize training workshops on union rights, fundamental freedoms, and international advocacy mechanisms, in cooperation with international training centers.
7. Do you provide legal support to members?
Yes, we provide legal advice and support in cases of unfair dismissal or disputes with administrations, depending on the case and capabilities.
8. What is the difference between a confederation and a sectoral union?
A union represents a specific sector, while a confederation is a coordinating body of different unions working in solidarity within a unified framework.
🟠 Special categories
9. Can an informal or unemployed worker engage?
Yes, they can join through designated unions or support committees, as we firmly believe in every worker’s right to trade union representation, regardless of their employment status.
10. Who is meant by the informal sector? And can they participate?
The informal sector includes those who work outside legal protection, such as street vendors and workers without contracts. We work to organize and represent them through unions.
11. Are merchants entitled to join the Confederation?
Yes, they can establish independent unions to defend their interests, especially in light of tax pressures and the lack of effective union representation.
12. Do retirees have the right to unionize within the Confederation?
Yes, they can join retiree committees within their sectors, and these committees unite within an independent national federation to defend their rights.
🟠 Principles and International Relations
13. Do you belong to international organizations?
Yes, we have partnerships and coordination with international organizations such as the International Labor Organization and international human rights bodies.
14. Do your activities include environmental issues and refugee rights?
We participate in initiatives to protect refugees and victims of deportation, and support environmental campaigns, particularly those related to social justice.
15. Do you belong to any political party?
No. We are a completely independent trade union organization, rejecting party affiliation and relying on the principles of trade union independence.
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