The Confederation of Algerian Trade Unions has denounced the increasing use of the courts to resolve social conflicts following the dissolution of National Autonomous Council of Secondary and Technical Education Teachers and warns of a further erosion of trade union freedoms in the country.
The court decision to dissolve the CNAPEST has sparked serious concern among Algerian independent trade unions, which condemn the recourse to the courts to settle disputes that, in their view, should be resolved through social dialogue.
In a joint statement dated July 30, the Confederation of Algerian Trade Unions (CSA), which is still being established, expressed its solidarity with CNAPEST and warned of the consequences of this dissolution on the exercise of trade union freedoms.
The organisation refers to a “procedural drift” that could further weaken relations between public authorities and workers’ representatives.
While reaffirming its commitment to judicial independence and respect for the laws of the republic, the CSA deplores what it considers the supervisory authority’s systematic recourse to the courts to resolve professional and social disputes.
The confederation believes these disputes should be addressed through negotiation, consultation, and social dialogue mechanisms.
The signatory organisations fear that the dissolution of the CNAPEST will set a precedent and exacerbate tensions within the workforce.
They emphasize that such a decision comes at a time when the national context requires, on the contrary, the strengthening of social cohesion and the restoration of trust between citizens and institutions.
The CSA also reiterated several long-standing demands of independent unions, notably the issuance of registration receipts essential for the legal recognition of their organisations.
Furthermore, it contests the application of certain provisions of Laws 23-02 and 23-08, relating to the exercise of union rights and the right to strike.
According to the confederation, these texts are being used as instruments of pressure and intimidation, likely to restrict collective action and the defense of socio-professional rights.
The CSA therefore calls on the highest Algerian authorities to intervene to remove the constraints weighing on workers’ organizations and to prioritise a resolution to the crisis based on dialogue.
MK/AK/Sf/fss/as/APA