Algeria’s public workers went on a two-day strike Tuesday, February 25, demanding information regarding government plans to privatize 340 state enterprises and in protest against deepening poverty. The industrial and economic stoppage brought the North African state to a near standstill.
The general strike encompassed schools, banks, air traffic control, telecommunications and public transport services, but exempted the oil and gas sector, which is the nation’s financial lifeline, providing 95 percent of its foreign currency earnings.
It is estimated that nearly 95 percent of the three million members of Algeria’s General Union of Algerian Workers participated in the action. Approximately half of Algeria's 31 million strong population lives below poverty line. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
