Education unions call for “liberation” of minister of retinue blockade

Education independent unions called on the National Education Ministry to open a dialogue and organize individual meetings with the minister to talk about concerns and problems.

According to the unions, the minister’s strategy has created a “barrier” between him and unions since he was appointed in the cabinet.

Teachers in the province of Mascara (west of Algeria) complained about being prevented from transmitting their concerns directly to the minister Abdelatif Baba Ahmed on his inspecting visit on Thursday.  

National Secteraty in charge of organization and coordination at Education Workers’ National Union Kouider Yahiaoui told Echorouk the union had met with Baba Ahmed once. Yet, other meetings were collective in national conferences.

“This strategy is the same of former minister Abu Bakr Benbouzid. Education independent unions are called in all together in meetings and conferences to talk about their concerns,” he added.

President of Education and Training Workers’ National Union Sadek Dziri told Echorouk the minister shows interest to their concerns and asks questions to more understand the situation. “Yet, there is no direct communication with Baba Ahmed. He put a barrier. Each time, he delegated officials at the ministry to discuss the problems.”

“If our requests which were agreed upon are not satisfied, we will ask to meet him personally,” he added.

He also said his union needs a serious dialogue and real partnership. That requires the participation of all the unions to discuss their problems and reach solutions.