May 1, 2026 Statement: Trade Union Confederation of Productive Forces Denounces Escalating Repression of Trade Union Freedoms in Algeria

🗓️ Published on: May 1, 2026

On the occasion of International Workers’ Day, the Trade Union Confederation of Productive Forces issued a strong statement expressing its unequivocal rejection of the ongoing restrictions on trade union freedoms in Algeria, warning of the dangers posed by systematic policies aimed at weakening independent trade unionism and stripping it of its substance.

The statement highlights what it describes as “formal trade union pluralism in Algeria,” presented as an achievement to the international community, while in reality it serves to fragment workers’ collective strength and prevent the emergence of independent trade union organizations, particularly in strategic economic sectors. It also criticizes the imposition of a monopoly over central trade union representation in favor of the General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA), alongside the targeting of the Confederation as the only credible independent trade union alternative.

The Confederation further states that these policies have forced several trade union leaders into exile, while thousands of activists continue their struggle within the country under extremely difficult conditions. It also reiterates its call for the immediate release of trade union leader Ali Mammeri, holding the authorities fully responsible for his continued detention.

The statement emphasizes that the struggle for trade union freedom in Algeria is no longer limited to social demands, but has become a struggle for the very existence of the independent trade union movement.

Download the statement:

Arabic version: [Click here]

French version: [Click here]

English version: [Click here]