Algeria : dockworkers' strike brings Algiers port to a total standstill

The dockworkers of the port of Algiers decided Wednesday to observe a short strike in support for higher wages and increased retirement benefits.

The work stoppage, which lasted from early in the morning until 1 pm on Wednesday, brought the port of Algiers to a total standstill.

The dockworkers resorted to strike action on account of the failure by the general management of the port of Algiers to live up to their bona-fide claims despite several requests made to this effect made by their trade union representatives.

After the personal intervention of the UGTA secretary general Sidi Said who went to the port of Algiers yesterday, the general management finally accepted to set up 2 working committees entrusted with looking into the dockworkers’ salary claims.

The latter are demanding a 20 to 30% salary hike and more substantial retirement benefits.