Serious violations of trade union law in Algeria during the presidential elections of September 7, 2024.
Amidst the 2024 presidential election campaign in Algeria, the country has witnessed some serious violations of trade union law, with some unions being manipulated and transformed into tools for narrow political agendas. This behavior not only represents an infringement on workers' rights to free union representation, but also poses a real threat to the principles of democracy and human rights.
It was proven that well-known union leaders were involved during the election campaign by supporting a specific candidate, in violation of the provisions of Law No. 23-02 relating to the exercise of union rights.
These articles clearly prohibit unionists from participating in election campaigns or supporting any candidate. Although the authorities themselves enacted this law, they condone its violation when it serves their interests. This makes violating these articles, particularly Articles 13, 14, and 15, not just a blatant legal violation, but evidence of the authorities' double standards.
These violations pose a serious threat to the future of the trade union movement in Algeria, undermining trust in unions and disrupting the labor scene. They also undermine the process of social dialogue, which is essential for achieving stability in the country.
On the other hand, activists believe that the law that prevents unionists from supporting a candidate whose platform aligns with their goals is inherently unjust, as it deprives them of their legitimate right to political expression.
However, what exacerbates the situation in the presidential elections of September 7, 2024, is the authorities' selective handling of this law. They give some unionists the green light to violate it if it serves their interests, while barring others and imposing unfair penalties on them if they support a candidate. This behavior, as we stated previously, represents a blatant double standard and reveals the authorities' true intentions to silence and suppress any dissenting voice.
Finally
Finally, This is an urgent call to all active national forces, civil society organizations, and relevant international institutions to stand with independent unions in this legitimate struggle to protect union rights and restore confidence in democratic institutions.
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