Statement by the General Council of the ITUC on the trade union situation in Algeria

The Sixteenth meeting of the ITUC General Council held in Vienna, Austria, from 28 November to 1 December, bringing together representatives from Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe and MENA, declares its full support for the trade union struggle in Algeria, led by a coalition of independent trade unionists striving to defend the legitimate rights of Algerian workers and their aspirations for better living and working conditions.

Calls on the Algerian authorities to end immediately the repressive measures aimed at free and independent trade unions, and the arrests and ill-treatment of trade leaders which have multiplied since last week.

Demands the immediate release of our sister Yamina Meghraoui, Chair of the CGATA Women’s Committee and coordinator of the ITUC-AR Arab Women’s Network.

Asks for the opening of genuine and constructive social dialogue to find the solutions needed to protect the fundamental rights of Algerian workers.

Calls on all its affiliated trade union organisations and like-minded organisations at the national and international level around the world to support Algeria’s independent democratic movement’s fight for justice.

Vienna, 1 December 2016.