General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA)

Number of Members: 2,000,000

The General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA) is the principal trade union in Algeria. It was established on February 24, 1956, during the French colonial period, to mobilize Algerian workers against French colonial and capitalist interests.

Shortly after its founding, the union was banned in May 1956 but continued to operate clandestinely and played a major role in the historic eight-day strike of 1957. The UGTA represents all professional sectors in Algeria, with particular strength in the oil, petrochemicals, and public service sectors.