Trade Union Repression Spares No One: The Case of Saïda Neghza’s Imprisonment

In a serious development that reflects the extent of the systematic crackdown on trade union and economic freedoms in Algeria, Ms. Saïda Neghza, former president of the General Confederation of Algerian Enterprises (CGEA), was imprisoned under a judgment issued by the Algerian judiciary sentencing her to four years of effective imprisonment in connection with a case related to collecting endorsements during the most recent presidential election.

This sentence coincided with her forcible removal from the presidency of the CGEA, an organization representing the interests of employers—a move that cannot be separated from the direct political pressure exerted on all independent voices, whether they belong to labor unions, professional associations, or even business circles themselves.

COSYFOP's Position on the Imprisonment of Trade Unionist Saïda Neghza

Although the Confédération Syndicale des Forces Productives (COSYFOP), as an independent labor organization, does not traditionally align with employers' associations and does not share their economic or social vision, it nonetheless expresses its full solidarity with Ms. Saïda Neghza. What she has been subjected to cannot be understood outside the broader context of the Algerian authorities' systematic campaign to stifle all forms of free trade union expression and organization, in all their diversity.

The criminalization of legitimate trade union and professional activity, and the use of security and judicial repression instead of institutional and social dialogue, threaten the very foundations of free union representation. It once again confirms that the authorities are seeking to impose total control over the trade union and economic landscape, by bringing all organizations—including those traditionally aligned with employers—under their authority.

Despite our initial reservations regarding her past positions aligned with business circles, Ms. Saïda Neghza has, in recent years, embodied a bold and independent female voice within a system largely characterized by silence and submission. She openly criticized obstructive tax policies and bureaucratic practices, and clearly expressed support for certain social demands.

Her imprisonment, therefore, is not only a serious blow to trade union independence, but also a clear message of intimidation to anyone who dares to deviate from the official line — even within economic circles traditionally seen as aligned with the regime.

The President of the Confederation, Brother Raouf Mellal, issued a statement regarding this case.

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“We, at the Confédération Syndicale des Forces Productives (COSYFOP), hold the Algerian authorities fully responsible for this alarming deterioration of public freedoms. We call for the immediate release of Saïda Neghza, and for the establishment of legal and constitutional guarantees to protect the rights to organize, engage in trade union activity, and participate in political life — free from fear or intimidation.”

- Raouf Mellal

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