22 Oct 2018 | 12:30 AM UTC
Algeria: Teachers' unions announce strike in Algiers October 22-23
Teachers' unions announce strikes and associated demonstrations in Algiers on October 22-23; anticipate localized transportation disruptions
Event
Multiple teachers' unions have called for work-stoppages and associated protests in Algiers on Monday, October 22, and Tuesday, October 23. The Conseil National Autonome du Personnel Enseignant du Secteur Ternaire de l'Education (CNAPESTE) has called for a strike and sit-in protest at regional government offices on October 22, while the Conseil d'Enseignants des Lycées d'Algérie (CLEA), a union representing high-school teachers, has announced a strike for October 23. The education workers union Syndicat autonome des travailleurs de l'éducation et de la formation (SATEF) will reportedly join both strikes. Clashes between security forces and protesters, as well as traffic disruptions are possible in the coming days.
Context
Both CNAPESTE and CLEA are organizing to protest perceived "arbitrary" reassignments of teachers by the central government, as well as increased pressure imposed by school administrators on its members. In early 2018, CNAPESTE organized a three-month teacher strike in Algiers, Béjaïa, Blida and Tizi Ouzou to call for wage increases.
Recent protests have also disrupted movement on highways throughout the country. On Thursday, October 11, hundreds marched in Bouandas and set fire to makeshift roadblocks, disrupting traffic on a national highway, after a woman died in a hospital due to alleged negligent care. A simultaneous protest in Hadjout disrupted traffic as demonstrators called for public housing reforms. Additionally, on Sunday, October 14, hundreds in Annaba blocked major highways to call on the government to resume construction on public housing projects. Meanwhile, thousands of university students in Algiers, Blida, Batna, Annaba, Constantine, Mostaganem and Oran, continue an indefinite strike to protest quotas limiting enrollment in post-graduate programs due to teacher shortages. Previously, thousands joined a demonstration in Algiers on Tuesday, October 16.
Advice
Individuals in Algiers are advised to monitor the situation, remain vigilant, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, and avoid any public gatherings as a precaution.
