The International Labour Organization's Committee of Experts expressed grave concern about the trade union situation in Algeria in its latest report, published in March 2025. The committee relied on complaints and reports submitted by several independent unions, most notably the Confederation of Trade Unions of Productive Forces (COSYFOP) and the National Autonomous Union of Electricity and Gas Workers (SNATEG). The report revealed serious violations related to discrimination against unionists, the dissolution of unions, and the closure of their headquarters without legal basis, threatening trade union freedoms in the country.
Systematic discrimination and threats against unionists
The International Committee received feedback from the Confederation of Syndicates of Productive Forces (COSYFOP) on 24 August 2024, which indicated widespread discrimination against its members. The Committee confirmed that union officials in several sectors, such as BATIMETAL and the National Commission for Electricity and Gas Regulation, were subjected to arbitrary dismissal and threats because of their union activity. The report also noted cases of arbitrary dismissal of union members in the forestry sector, without the authorities intervening to stop these violations.
In response to these allegations, the Algerian government merely stated that COSYFOP and some of its affiliated unions ceased operations in 1991, without providing any evidence or detailed responses to the reported cases. The Committee called on the government to consult with the concerned unions to implement legal amendments that guarantee the protection of trade unionists from discrimination and persecution, in cooperation with the International Labor Office.
Closing union headquarters: a blatant violation of union freedoms
The Committee expressed its deep regret over the continued closure of the headquarters of independent unions, including those of COSYFOP and the General Autonomous Confederation of Algerian Workers (CGATA). The Committee emphasized that these closures were carried out without due process, which contravenes the principles of freedom of association guaranteed by international conventions. The Committee also demanded the immediate revocation of these decisions, noting that the government's continued refusal to register some unions constitutes a flagrant violation of international law.
Dissolution of the SNATEG union affiliated with Sonelgaz and the continuation of the dispute
Regarding the National Independent Union of Electricity and Gas Workers (SNATEG), the Committee noted that it had received feedback on its status on August 22, 2024. The report confirmed that the International Committee for Freedom of Association had called on the Algerian government to review the decision to dissolve SNATEG, considering that this decision was inconsistent with Algeria's international obligations in the area of freedom of association.
The committee expressed its dismay at the Algerian authorities' failure to take any steps to address this issue, despite previously issued recommendations. It also stressed the need for the government to take urgent measures to respect the principles of trade union freedoms and refrain from interfering in the affairs of independent unions.
Restricting trade union rights: New legislation raises concerns
The report noted that new legislation in Algeria, such as Law No. 23-02 on the exercise of the right to form unions, raises significant concerns due to the restrictions it imposes on union activity. The Committee noted that these laws grant the authorities broad powers to monitor and dissolve unions, threatening their independence. It also expressed concern about the arbitrary requirements for union registration, which include criteria such as "political neutrality" and "financial transparency," opening the door to the abuse of these criteria to suppress independent unions.
International demands to improve the union situation
In concluding its report, the committee emphasized the importance of ensuring a free and independent trade union environment in Algeria, noting that continued violations of union rights could negatively impact the country's image in international forums. It also called on the Algerian authorities to cooperate with unions to find sustainable legal solutions that guarantee respect for the fundamental rights of workers and unionists.
The committee emphasized that Algeria's commitment to international agreements, such as Convention No. 87 on Freedom of Association, requires radical reforms in legislation and administrative practices. It also called on the government to accept technical assistance from the International Labor Office to improve the trade union situation in the country.
Open question: Will the government respond?
The question remains open as to whether the Algerian government will heed these international recommendations, or whether the union situation will remain hostage to legal disputes and administrative interventions. Given the ongoing violations and the lack of a clear political will for reform, the road to ensuring union freedoms in Algeria appears long and thorny.
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