International call to support Algerian unions - recommendations of the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association

🗓️ Published on: 11/12/2024

International call to support Algerian unions: ILO Committee on Freedom of Association issues recommendations on Algeria Case No. 3210

Algeria - November 2024

In a recent report issued by the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association, the Committee addressed Algeria Case No. 3210, which relates to a complaint filed by the National Autonomous Union of Electricity and Gas Workers (SNATEG) on April 26, 2016. In its November 2014 report, the Committee made a number of recommendations aimed at addressing concerns about the extent to which freedom of association is respected in Algeria, particularly with regard to the rights of independent trade unionists and the protection of union activity from government restrictions and interference.

Main recommendations of the Freedom of Association Committee

The recommendations presented included several key themes, most notably a call to ensure the return of trade unionist Raouf Malal, head of the National Independent Union of Electricity and Gas Workers, to Algeria, while providing a safe environment for him to pursue his union activities without any pressure or threats.

The committee stressed the need for “Providing an environment free from violence, threats or harassment that may hinder his union activity.”This is an important step towards ensuring freedom of union expression and protecting independent union activists.

The Committee also called on the Algerian government to: Reconsidering the decision to dissolve the National Independent Union of Electricity and Gas Workers (SNATEG)Considering the dissolution decision a violation of Algeria's international obligations regarding respect for workers' rights and freedom of association, the committee noted the need to review this decision in line with the basic principles of freedom of association and international standards to which Algeria is committed as a member of the International Labor Organization.

Calls for international intervention and support for unions

In a statement issued by the National Independent Union of Electricity and Gas Workers, the union called on international organizations, human rights organizations, and global unions to provide support and pressure to ensure the implementation of these recommendations. The union expressed hope that this international support would contribute to strengthening union freedoms in Algeria and protecting workers' rights, particularly in the electricity and gas sectors, which are considered vital.

The statement read: “The recommendations issued by the Freedom of Association Committee highlight the pressing issues we face in Algeria, and we call on everyone to contribute to supporting these recommendations and obligating the government to implement them to ensure a free and safe union environment for all workers in Algeria.”

International reactions and awaiting implementation

Algeria Case No. 3210 has received widespread international attention. It has raised questions about Algeria's commitment to international workers' rights standards. The international trade union community is awaiting the measures the Algerian authorities will take to implement the recommendations of the Committee on Freedom of Association, particularly in light of the government's previous pledges to support trade union freedoms and union activity.

It should be noted that Algeria, as a member state of the International Labor Organization, is obligated to implement international standards related to workers' rights, which include respect for freedom of association and the right to organize. Many hope that the committee's recommendations will strengthen these rights and create a working environment more respectful of freedom of association.

The importance of supporting unions and the role of the international community

These recommendations reflect the importance of international cooperation in supporting workers' rights issues around the world, as supporting trade union freedoms is one of the fundamental pillars of ensuring social justice and professional dignity for workers. International organizations, including the International Labor Organization (ILO), and human rights organizations are expected to play a key role in following up on the implementation of these recommendations and ensuring Algeria's compliance with its international commitments in the area of workers' rights.

In conclusion, the hopes of workers and unionists in Algeria remain pinned on the implementation of these recommendations, amid growing calls to improve the union work environment and ensure the freedom and independence of unions in the country.

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