🗓️ Published on: May 25, 2026
Trade Union Confederation of Productive Forces (COSYFOP)
Algeria · Independent trade union organization
COSYFOP Releases Its Report
“The Hidden Truth”
A Critical Assessment of the 2025 Report of the Arab Trade Union Confederation on Algeria
The Trade Union Confederation of Productive Forces (COSYFOP) announces the publication, in Arabic, French, and English, of its report entitled
“The Hidden Truth — A Critical Assessment of the 2025 Report of the Arab Trade Union Confederation (ATUC) on Algeria.”The report provides a critical assessment of the latest ATUC publication on trade union freedoms in the MENA region, with particular focus on Algeria. It highlights a number of serious omissions concerning independent trade unions and trade unionists who have been detained, prosecuted, or otherwise targeted because of their trade union activities.
COSYFOP expresses deep concern over the manner in which ATUC addressed the issue of trade union freedoms in Algeria, particularly the complete absence of any reference to Article 87 bis of the Penal Code, which has been used against trade unionists and human rights defenders, as well as the imprisonment of trade unionists prosecuted for exercising the right to strike.
For COSYFOP, this omission goes far beyond a simple editorial choice. It contributes to trivialising and normalising a serious pattern of repression directly affecting Algerian independent trade unions, at a time when several trade unionists are being imprisoned, prosecuted, or threatened with dissolution proceedings because of their peaceful activities and the exercise of rights guaranteed under international conventions.
Furthermore, while ATUC claims in its report to support trade union pluralism and independent trade unions, it has itself excluded from its structures the only Algerian independent trade union confederation, despite the fact that it was one of ATUC’s founding members.
For COSYFOP, these elements raise fundamental questions regarding the credibility and impartiality of reports published by ATUC when they claim to reflect the reality of trade union freedoms in the region.
In this context, COSYFOP calls on the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), democratic trade union organisations affiliated with it, and international trade union federations committed to the effective defence of trade union freedoms to take seriously the findings presented in this report and to contribute to efforts aimed at addressing this situation.
COSYFOP also calls on international human rights organisations, independent NGOs, and all actors committed to fundamental freedoms in the MENA region to strengthen their support for the independent trade union movement in the region, particularly in Algeria, where independent trade unions are now facing growing pressure from all sides, despite the seriousness of the situation and the continued weakness of international solidarity.
Finally, COSYFOP reaffirms that the defence of Trade union freedoms , trade union pluralism, and the right to strike remains inseparable from any genuine prospect for democracy, social justice , and the rule of law in the region.
⬇ Download the Full Report
Available in three languages — Click on the version you wish to read
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