Algiers – The Algerian government is reviewing the wage structure and employment conditions of approximately 725,000 contract workers across various sectors. This comes after parliamentary inquiries regarding the status of part-time contract employees within public institutions.
The Ministry of Relations with Parliament provided clarifications based on correspondence from the Directorate General of Public Service and Administrative Reform, dated November 13, 2025. The communication addresses concerns raised about the employment situation of these workers.
The ministry’s response to a parliamentary inquiry, initiated by the Prime Minister, highlighted the legal framework governing contract employment within the public sector. Ordinance No. 06-03, dated July 15, 2006, which outlines the general public service law, establishes the contract system in Article 19. This system applies to positions involving maintenance, upkeep, and general services within public institutions and administrations, effectively making contract employment the standard for these roles.
The government further clarified that contract employees are subject to Presidential Decree No. 07-308, dated September 29, 2007. This decree defines the procedures for their recruitment, their rights and responsibilities, the components of their salaries, and the regulations governing their management, including disciplinary measures. This decree serves as the legal foundation for this category of workers, ensuring rights similar to those of permanent employees, including the right to wages, compensation, training, disciplinary protections, paid leave, social services, social security, and retirement benefits.
The decree distinguishes between fixed-term contracts for temporary activities and open-ended contracts for permanent activities. Public institutions and administrations are also authorized to employ part-time contract workers for five hours per day. As of December 31, 2024, the number of contract employees in the public sector reached 725,428.
