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.
Trade Union Repression Spares No One: The Case of Saïda Neghza’s Imprisonment" rel="bookmark">Trade Union Repression Spares No One: The Case of Saïda Neghza’s Imprisonment
In a dangerous development that reflects the systematic restrictions on trade union and economic freedoms in Algeria, Ms. Saida Neghza, the former president of the General Confederation of Algerian Enterprises (CGEA), was imprisoned under a four-year sentence issued by the Algerian judiciary in a case related to collecting endorsements during the recent presidential elections. This sentence coincided with her forced removal from the presidency […]
The arrest of the Secretary-General of the Railway Union has thrown the union scene into disarray on the eve of a national strike that was called off at the last minute." rel="bookmark">The arrest of the Secretary-General of the Railway Union has thrown the union scene into disarray on the eve of a national strike that was called off at the last minute.
The National Federation of Railway Workers, affiliated with the General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA), experienced a surprising development after its former Secretary-General, Lounis Saidi, was placed in pretrial detention on Friday, July 5, 2025. This development led to the cancellation of the open-ended national strike scheduled to begin Sunday, July 7, in a move that has thrown the sector's union scene into disarray. Saidi had […]
Ali Maamri: The Algerian Trade Unionist Whose Case Brought International Attention in the ILO's Freedom of Association Report" rel="bookmark">Ali Maamri: The Algerian Trade Unionist Whose Case Brought International Attention in the ILO's Freedom of Association Report
An independent trade unionist in the eye of the storm. In its latest report, No. 411, the International Labour Organization (ILO) Committee on Freedom of Association highlighted the state of union repression in Algeria, examining the case of Ali Mammeri, a prominent leader of the independent trade union confederation COSYFOP and a member of its Human Rights Defense Committee in Oum El Bouaghi province. According to the complainant organization […]
ILO | Shocking Report on the Repression of "COSYFOP" and Its Leadership in Algeria" rel="bookmark">ILO | Shocking Report on the Repression of "COSYFOP" and Its Leadership in Algeria
The International Labour Office's Committee on Freedom of Association (CFO) has issued its new report, No. 411, detailing the ongoing repression of the independent trade union confederation, COSYFOP, in Algeria. The report reiterates growing international concerns about the deteriorating situation […]
🎯 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.