Algeria Dissolves Teachers’ Union, Drawing Rights Criticism Over Trade Union Freedoms

July 30, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Algerian authorities have dissolved an independent teachers’ union in a move that has drawn criticism from Amnesty International, which said the decision represents a setback for freedom of association and independent labour activity in the country. The Administrative Tribunal in Algiers ordered the dissolution of the National Autonomous Union of Education and Training Workers (CNAPESTE) on July 28, 2026, following a legal challenge brought by the Ministry of Labour with support from the Ministry of Education.

The ruling was issued under Law 23-02, a trade union law adopted in April 2023 that gives authorities powers to suspend or dissolve unions on grounds including alleged failures to comply with internal regulations or organising strikes considered to disrupt public services. Sar Hashash, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, said the decision undermines workers’ rights to organise and engage in peaceful collective action.

“Today’s decision to dissolve the CNAPESTE is a serious assault on the rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly and a devastating blow to independent trade union activity in Algeria,” Hashash said. She said dissolving a trade union should not be used to penalise workers for challenging policies affecting their working conditions, urging Algerian authorities to reverse the decision and allow unions to operate without interference. “The dissolution of a trade union must never be used as a means of punishing workers for exercising their rights or silencing independent voices,” she said.

The decision comes amid wider concerns over restrictions on civic organisations and labour groups in Algeria. Amnesty International said at least five union members faced arrests and prosecutions in 2025 over peaceful protests linked to working conditions and legal reforms. Two CNAPESTE representatives remain under judicial supervision, according to the organisation. In February 2026, an appeals court sentenced trade union leader Ali Mammeri to 10 years in prison in connection with activities linked to the National Union of Civil Servants in the Field of Culture and Arts.

Algerian authorities have also previously dissolved civil society and human rights organisations using provisions under the country’s associations law in 2021 and 2022. CNAPESTE, an independent teachers’ union registered in 2007, has been one of Algeria’s most prominent education-sector unions and has repeatedly campaigned on issues affecting teachers’ working conditions.

Source: FSX Business News