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NEWS & LETTERS, APRIL 2003
Our Life and Times by Kevin A. Barry
Algeria general strike
A largely successful general strike took place on Feb.
25, called by the General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA). It effectively shut
down air and rail transport, banks, and the educational system. The crucial oil
and gas sector was not affected, however. Strikers were demanding a raise in the minimum wage, which stands today at $130 per month, pushing also for changes in the pension and healthcare systems. They also protested continuing unemployment in a society where the official jobless rate stands at 30% overall and at a horrific 50% for workers under 30. Another issue was privatization of the state sector, which is being carried out amid secrecy and corruption. |
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