Rising tensions between authorities and unions raise fears of a social explosion in Algeria

11th July 2025

3 minutes read

Rising tensions between authorities and unions raise fears of a social explosion in Algeria

Human rights organizations have accused Algeria of violating human rights, including labor rights — accusations the authorities deny, stressing the independence of the judiciary.

The arrest of Lounis Saïdi, secretary-general of the National Railway Workers’ Federation, after calling for an open-ended strike to demand better wages, has triggered widespread anger among unionists and workers. Activists and rights defenders argue that the authorities are using the judiciary as a tool of intimidation instead of opening dialogue to calm social unrest.

This incident signals growing friction between the government and labor unions, threatening to escalate into a major confrontation with organizations that represent large segments of the workforce. Rights advocates accuse the regime of narrowing civic space and responding to social demands with security crackdowns, heightening concerns over workers’ rights.

Saïdi’s arrest illustrates the government’s anxiety about labor mobilization at a time when it faces increasing international pressure to improve its human rights record. Critics warn of a slide into an “open-air prison,” a claim rejected by the Algerian state, which maintains that justice is independent and the law applies equally to all.

This move is perceived as a security-first response instead of dialogue with unions, putting the future of independent trade unionism at risk. According to the human rights group Shaa’, Saïdi was placed in pre-trial detention after signing an official statement dated 25 June 2025, addressed to the Minister of Transport, announcing a nationwide indefinite strike starting 7 July to protest serious violations in the railway sector.

Observers say the arrest was intended to send a strong message that strikes in critical sectors like transportation will not be tolerated.

Analysts note that Saïdi’s arrest is part of a broader crackdown on intellectuals, researchers, and opponents of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s policies, echoing warnings from rights groups about rising repression and curbs on fundamental freedoms, including the right to strike enshrined in the Constitution.

The government is accused of turning the judiciary into a tool to silence dissent, including union leaders. Saïdi’s detention has been widely condemned as illegal by rights groups and trade unions, who point out that his call to strike was grounded in constitutional provisions and labor laws.

The strike notice listed several demands: implementation of long-promised wage increases, better working conditions, an end to administrative interference in union affairs, and denunciation of serious management irregularities in the sector.

The Algerian Workers’ Party issued a statement condemning Saïdi’s arrest as a blatant violation of union freedoms. The fact that it occurred on Independence Day adds a symbolic and provocative dimension to the move. The party sees Saïdi’s dismissal from his post as an attempt to justify his arrest, and accuses the authorities of choosing repression over meaningful social dialogue — warning of a dangerous precedent for labor freedoms.

In 2023, Algeria passed a law regulating the right to strike, which was rejected by many unions and labor experts, who believe it aims more to restrict than regulate union activity. The law bans strikes in so-called “vital national interest” sectors and penalizes “abusive practices” in this area.

The requirement for prior administrative approval to establish a union is considered restrictive and incompatible with international labor conventions ratified by Algeria, which guarantee workers the right to form unions freely and without prior authorization.

In recent years, authorities have arrested several unionists and social activists on charges ranging from “inciting strikes in vital sectors” to “threatening national security,” sparking controversy and condemnation from human rights organizations and independent unions.