In a significant development, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune held a meeting at the Presidential Palace with the newly elected Secretary-General of the Union générale des travailleurs algériens (UGTA), Amar Takjout. This meeting marks the first encounter between the leader of the largest labor union in Algeria and the head of state.
The official statement from the Presidency did not delve into the specifics of the meeting’s agenda. However, it is highly likely that this gathering served as an opportunity for Amar Takjout to discuss the current labor landscape in Algeria.
Just days before this meeting, Amar Takjout outlined his vision for addressing the social issues facing Algeria. He expressed the UGTA’s commitment to proposing measures aimed at improving the purchasing power of Algerians, which has been under strain. During an interview on Radio nationale’s Chaîne II, he highlighted the context surrounding the 2023 social scene.
While acknowledging some “positive aspects and improvements,” the UGTA leader emphasized the challenges that workers are grappling with, particularly the erosion of purchasing power amidst rising prices.
According to him, the issue of purchasing power warrants a comprehensive evaluation involving all stakeholders because “wage increases are quickly eroded by inflation.” He stressed the need for more effective mechanisms to preserve purchasing power and mentioned the UGTA’s intention to put forth proposals that can help control prices and safeguard workers’ standards of living.
Amar Takjout also outlined the key points of his agenda for revitalizing the UGTA. One of the primary objectives is addressing the socio-professional well-being of workers. He emphasized the importance of not only addressing occupational diseases but also tending to the mental and psychological health of workers, which affects a significant portion of the workforce and has broader implications for the national economy. To address this, he discussed the formation of a department comprising experts and medical professionals to study and address psychological well-being in the working population.
“We need to conduct a thorough assessment and gather quantitative data on this issue, which is seriously impacting the national economy. Once the work is completed, I will take the necessary steps,” he assured, adding, “UGTA will be a source of proposals on economic and social matters.”
Furthermore, Amar Takdjout urged authorities to consider workers’ social and professional concerns. He recommended enhanced communication with citizens to rebuild trust and strengthen domestic unity. Additionally, he brought up the right to unionize in the private sector, stressing that private companies must respect workers’ rights to organize and establish their own unions.
This meeting between President Tebboune and Amar Takjout holds promise for addressing pressing labor and social issues in Algeria, with a focus on improving the well-being of the nation’s workers and fostering stronger communication between citizens and authorities.
