Strike at ArcelorMittal steel complex of El Hadjar called off

The general strike observed on Wednesday at ArcelorMittal steel complex of El Hadjar (Annaba, 600km east of Algiers) was called off on the same day at the request of the company's union leaders.

About 3,000 strikers had taken part in a peaceful march staged in the plant compound, demanding their union office be reopened, after being closed as a result of a conflict, since last August, between their representatives and management for a representation issue.

Met just after the march with company’s unionists, the management committed to “ensuring worksite safety, reopening the union office,” and ”resuming negotiations on wage rise and bonuses as from October 18,” according to statements made by the two sides.