UGTA Denounces Fake Strike Call, Vows Legal Action
Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- The General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA) has issued a strong denial of a fake communiqué circulating on social media, which falsely attributed a call for an open-ended general strike to its Secretary-General, Amar Takjout.
- UGTA stated that the communiqué is fabricated, baseless, and aims to mislead the public, sow confusion, and damage the union's credibility.
- The union announced its intention to pursue legal action against those responsible for creating and disseminating the false document, urging workers to remain vigilant and rely only on official communications.
The Union Générale des Travailleurs Algériens (UGTA) has moved swiftly to quash a malicious rumor spreading on social media, which falsely claimed its Secretary-General, Amar Takjout, had called for an open-ended general strike. In a firm statement, the UGTA unequivocally branded the communiqué as fraudulent, emphasizing that it bears no relation to the union's actual positions or internal structures. This deliberate misinformation, the UGTA asserts, is a calculated attempt to sow discord among workers and undermine the reputation of Algeria's historic labor organization.
the said call was fraudulently attributed to its first official and categorically and firmly denies its authenticity.
Secretary-General Amar Takjout himself addressed the issue, condemning the fabricated document as an effort to disrupt legitimate trade union activities. He stressed that any decision to call for a general strike follows a rigorous, multi-stage process, beginning with consultations at the grassroots level and culminating in official pronouncements through established channels. Takjout underscored that such a significant action cannot be initiated through anonymous messages or on a whim, thereby completely invalidating the false report.
It is falsified, baseless, and has no connection with the positions or structures of the Union.
From the perspective of El Watan, this incident highlights the persistent challenges posed by the spread of disinformation, particularly on social media platforms, which can be exploited to destabilize institutions. The UGTA's decisive response, including its threat of legal action, signals a commitment to defending its integrity and maintaining order within the labor movement. The union's emphasis on transparency and adherence to official procedures serves as a reminder of the structured nature of Algerian trade unionism, contrasting sharply with the chaotic and often unverified nature of online rumors. This event is particularly significant in Algeria, where the UGTA plays a crucial role in national dialogue and worker representation, making its credibility a matter of public interest.
the authors of this false document aim to disrupt union action.
Originally published by El Watan in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.