Logos of Some Unions Affiliated with COSYFOP
What we do
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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.
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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.
The Trade Union Confederation of Productive Forces Issues an Urgent International Appeal on the Situation of Migrants in Algeria" rel="bookmark">The Trade Union Confederation of Productive Forces Issues an Urgent International Appeal on the Situation of Migrants in Algeria
The Confederation of Trade Unions of Productive Forces (COSYFOP) has issued an urgent appeal to the international community, warning of the serious humanitarian and human rights situation experienced by migrants from sub-Saharan Africa in Algeria since the end of July 2025. The Confederation documented a dangerous escalation of violations in its supplementary report issued on August 18, 2025, attached to an official complaint addressed on August 26, 2025 to the rapporteurs […]
U.S. State Department Report 2024: International Recognition of Independent Trade Unions in Algeria" rel="bookmark">U.S. State Department Report 2024: International Recognition of Independent Trade Unions in Algeria
On August 12, 2025, the US Department of State, through the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, released its annual report on the human rights situation in Algeria for 2024. The report confirmed that the country witnessed a worrying decline in fundamental freedoms over the past year, particularly trade union freedoms, with continued restrictions on independent unions and arbitrary arrests of unionists. Highlighting the unions involved […]
COSYFOP Submits Complaint to the ILO over Grave Violations of Migrant Workers’ Rights in Algeria" rel="bookmark">COSYFOP Submits Complaint to the ILO over Grave Violations of Migrant Workers’ Rights in Algeria
On August 21, 2025, the Confederation of Trade Unions of Productive Forces (COSYFOP) submitted a new official communication to the Committee of Experts for the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) regarding the serious violations suffered by migrant workers from sub-Saharan Africa in Algeria during the recent period, which resulted in the arrest of more than 1,000 migrants, according to circulars issued […]
Algeria’s Mass Deportations of Sub-Saharan Migrants: COSYFOP Issues a New Report" rel="bookmark">Algeria’s Mass Deportations of Sub-Saharan Migrants: COSYFOP Issues a New Report
As part of its campaigning activities, the Confederation of Trade Unions of Productive Forces (COSYFOP) announced the publication of a supplementary report documenting the serious human rights violations suffered by migrants from sub-Saharan Africa in Algeria since June 2025. The report’s main points: The report presents new evidence related to: the intensification of raids carried out by security forces in a number of states, especially Oran and Algiers […]
🎯 Watch our message and goals in less than 3 minutes
🎥 Learn about the Confederation of Productive Forces (COSYFOP)
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 🔸
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🟠 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.