In a significant gathering held under the high patronage of the President of the Republic of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the 12^th OATUU Congress was recently concluded in Algiers, Algeria. The event brought together over 100 trade union delegates across the African continent. Organised with the aim of fostering international collaboration and addressing the pressing issues faced by workers globally, the Congress showcased the commitment of nations to the cause of workers’ rights.

Addressing the delegates, the President of OATUU, Dr. Francis Atwoli, emphasised the need to develop new strategies in line with the technological advances in the job market in order to strengthen the capacity of African workers, protect their rights and fortify the African trade union movement. He added that African workers were in need of continuous training programs that would equip them to leverage the new developments in the labour market, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence, e-commerce and the digital economy. He also celebrated Algeria’s efforts to promote the African trade union movement and the achievement of African integration.

In his speech, the Secretary-General of OATUU, Mr. Arezki Mezhoud, highlighted various initiatives undertaken by Algeria to promote trade union action and fortify the achievements of workers. One key aspect emphasized by Mr. Mezhoud was the government’s commitment to providing a favorable working climate, which is essential for the well-being and productivity of the labor force. With this in mind, Mr. Mezhoud called for an improvement in the performance of African workers to keep pace with the latest developments in the international labour market.

Taking the stage, the Secretary General of the General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA), M. Amar Takdjout also stressed the importance of strengthening dialogue with social partner within the framework of the laws.

The international dimension of the congress was evident in the diverse participation of trade union leaders not only from Africa, but across the world. This global representation underscored the interconnected nature of labor issues and the importance of fostering solidarity on an international scale. In attendance were delegates from the International Labour Organisation, All-China Federation Trade Union, RENGO-Japan, HAK-IS, the Russian Federation of Independent Trade Unions (FNPR) and many other international organisations.

A noteworthy outcome of the Congress was the renewal of mandates for existing executives, a testament to the confidence placed in their leadership. The continuity of leadership ensures a seamless transition and the ability to build upon the successes and initiatives established in previous terms. This reaffirmation of leadership positions reflects the trust and confidence placed in these individuals to continue steering the organisation towards its goals.