The Algerian Federation of Industries withdraws from the International Federation of Industries.
In a surprising move with trade union implications, the Algerian Union of Industries (UAI) officially announced its withdrawal from the international trade union IndustriALL on November 18, 2024, citing deep disagreements with the international organization's leadership. This move comes amid a climate of significant challenges facing independent unions in Algeria and the Arab region.
Historical background of IndustriALL
IndustriALL is one of the world's leading international trade union organizations, representing millions of workers in the industrial and energy sectors worldwide. Founded on the principles of supporting independent unions and promoting workers' rights through international solidarity, the union has faced criticism for its bias and neglect of fundamental issues.
Circumstances of withdrawal
The Algerian Federation of Industries issued a statement outlining the reasons for the withdrawal, most notably:
- Ignorance and Interference: The statement pointed to IndustriALL's failure to support Algerian unions and its disregard for conference decisions related to strengthening international solidarity.
- Regional bias: The union explained that international support was directed towards unions in Europe at the expense of similar issues in Africa.
- Changing support priorities: The Algerian union criticized the increasing focus on state-run unions rather than independent ones, which contradicts the original principles of the international organization.
Implications of the decision on the trade union scene
This decision highlights the challenges facing independent unions in developing countries. In Algeria, the withdrawal reflects a growing conflict between independent unions and government institutions or international organizations perceived to be biased. The decision also opens the door to debate about the future of international union solidarity and the role of major organizations in promoting social justice.
Calls for dialogue and solidarity
In its statement, the Algerian Confederation of Industries called on all organizations and activists to stand with it to confront what it described as an "unprecedented attack" on independent unions in the Arab region. It also announced the launch of legal consultations with international organizations in Switzerland and Belgium to assess possible measures to protect independent unions from exploitation.
Reading into the future of the Algerian Federation of Industries' withdrawal from the International Federation of Industries
This decision represents a watershed moment in international trade union relations and may serve as an impetus for reconsidering the way international organizations operate and their role in supporting independent unions. Conversely, the Algerian Federation's withdrawal constitutes a call to unite ranks locally and internationally to address the challenges facing us.
You can download the full statement here:
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