Algeria: catering workers resume work in exchange for negotiations but situation tense

The 1,200 striking catering workers employed by subcontractors to the state oil and gas company Sonatrach have started returning to work and negotiations are continuing. Nineteen elected worker representatives from among the three companies were informed on June 19 that they were dismissed as of June 13. However, on June 20, 3 days after the IUF launched its campaign, the companies agreed, for the first time during the conflict, to negotiate with the workers’ representatives, but on condition that the workers halt their strike. In discussions with the workers the companies have stated that the dismissals will not be implemented and they are prepared to negotiate on the workers’ demands. The IUF is therefore closing its campaign, but is prepared to relaunch it should the negotiations fail to bring results.

The workers have thanked the thousands of supporters who sent messages of to the government and to the companies.