The Arab Trade Union Confederation Places Algeria on the Long List of Countries Violating International Labour Standards

🗓️ Published on: April 6, 2026

In a notable development during the Arab Trade Union Confederation’s meeting on April 6, 2026—and notably without any participation from independent Algerian unions—Algeria was placed on the “long list” of countries with serious violations of international labour standards related to trade union freedoms. This move reflects growing regional and international concern over the deterioration of trade union rights in the country.

An International Report Reflecting a Deteriorating Reality

This regional classification for the Middle East and North Africa is based directly on the latest observations of the Committee of Experts of the International Labour Organization, which in its 2025 report identified serious violations of Convention No. 98 on the right to organize and collective bargaining. The Committee also issued a direct request to the Algerian government regarding the application of Article 87 bis of the Penal Code, which has been used to prosecute human rights defenders under terrorism-related charges.

The report is not based on abstract assessments but on documented evidence. It reflects a documented accumulation of complaints and field reports submitted by independent trade unions in Algeria,particularly those affiliated with the Trade Union Confederation of Productive Forces (COSYFOP), which has played a key role in bringing these violations from the national level to international oversight mechanisms.

The Committee highlighted a growing pattern of anti-union discrimination targeting independent leaders, alongside weak or ineffective legal protection mechanisms, continued government interference in trade union affairs, and increasing restrictions on collective bargaining through vague and loosely defined legal criteria.

Between the Long List and the Short List: An Ongoing Battle

Although Algeria has been placed on the long list, the final “short list”—which will determine the countries to be examined this year by the Committee on the Application of Standards at the International Labour Conference in June—has yet to be finalized.

According to available information, the Trade Union Confederation of Productive Forces is not currently pushing for Algeria’s inclusion on the short list this year, in light of ongoing tensions between independent Algerian unions and the International Trade Union Confederation.

This position reflects a strategic assessment rather than any retreat from demands. The focus at this stage is on restructuring international alliances, rather than engaging in a process whose outcomes may prove uncertain or even counterproductive.

The 2024 Experience: When Oversight Mechanisms Lost Their Impact

This cautious approach is rooted in the experience of 2024, when, according to sources within COSYFOP, the efforts of independent unions were effectively sidelined.A lack of coordination and cooperation between workers’ representatives within the ILO system — particularlythe Bureau for Workers’ Activities — and independent Algerian unions significantly weakened their presence and reduced the effectiveness of international oversight mechanisms, especially the Committee on the Application of Standards.

This situation gave the Algerian government considerable room for maneuver and contributed to a sharp escalation in repression against independent unions over the past two years, amid a perception that meaningful international labour pressure was absent.

Reframing Strategy: Toward More Balanced and Effective International Alliances

In response to these challenges, independent Algerian unions are recalibrating their international strategy in a pragmatic and forward-looking manner.

This involves strengthening cooperation with global sectoral federations, particularly Public Services International andInternational Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations, which have provided consistent and tangible support to independent unions in Algeria.

At the same time, efforts are underway to broaden engagement with other international trade union federations interested in developments in Algeria, with the aim of breaking isolation and restoring balance within a diverse and often complex global trade union landscape.

In parallel, independent unions are deepening partnerships with major international human rights organizations, notably Amnesty International,as well as other independent actors, in order to reinforce the credibility of the Algerian trade union file and strengthen documentation and advocacy efforts.

From Trade Union Struggle to Human Rights Advocacy

As their struggle evolves, independent Algerian unions increasingly define their work beyond the traditional scope of labour demands. While rooted in trade union action, their struggle is fundamentally centered on defending human rights—above all, the right to organize freely without interference from public authorities.

This positioning places them at the intersection of labour rights and fundamental freedoms, making them more exposed to repression and explaining the scale of legal harassment and pressure targeting their leaders and members.

In this context, independent unions have found growing understanding among international human rights organizations and UN Special Rapporteurs, who are increasingly recognizing the seriousness of the situation in Algeria. This awareness has translated into more visible and sustained support.

Accordingly, independent unions are strengthening their engagement with Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, while intensifying interaction with UN Special Procedures and maintaining close communication with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

A Long Struggle Beyond the Arab Trade Union Confederation’s Classifications

Algeria’s placement on the long list does not mark the end of the process, but rather the beginning of a new phase in international trade union advocacy.

Between a domestic environment marked by increasing restrictions on trade union freedoms and a global arena shaped by complex power dynamics, independent unions face a dual challenge: sustaining grassroots mobilization while building international alliances capable of translating reports and recommendations into effective pressure.

The key question remains: will this strategy succeed in bringing trade union freedoms in Algeria to the forefront of the international agenda, or will internal balances within the global trade union movement continue to dilute accountability mechanisms?

In this regard, the President of the Trade Union Confederation of Productive Forces stated:

“The coming year will be decisive. We are working to expand our partnerships with international trade union federations while strengthening cooperation with human rights organizations, in order to bring the issue of trade union freedoms in Algeria higher on the international agenda and achieve tangible progress.”