Algerie Telecom Imminent Strike to Freeze Internet, Phone Services

The 26 thousand employees of Algerie Telecom have filed a 10 days’ notice before their unlimited strike which likely to freeze internet, mobile and fixed line services, to force the head office to meet their claims, notably the 30 percent wage hike.

The CEO of Algerie Telecom, El Hachemi Belhamdi, has been given an ultimatum until 28 January to respond to the wage claim, the upset employees said.

Head of the Union of Post and Information and Communication Technologies, Mohamed Chelouak, told Echorouk reporter that the union is holding long-winded talks with the CEO of Algerie Telecom to meet the 30 percent wage hike claim of the workers.

 Mr Chelouak said such a claim was evoked in May 2011 during the meeting that put together representatives of the head office and the union, adding that a notice to launch a general strike as by the end of January was given at that time, in case the head office has not met the claim of the 26 thousand workers.

However, sources in Algerie Telecom revealed to Echorouk reporter that the Head Office suggested increasing wages by 10 percent, only when the company hits a 75 billion DZD turnover a year. The source added that the 30 percent wage hike claim cannot be implemented currently as several investment projects are still pending.