Algeria is witnessing a significant wave of labor unrest as thousands of teachers across the country have launched a nationwide strike, demanding salary increases and improved working conditions. The two-day strike, which began on February 20, 2025, highlights growing discontent within the education sector, where educators argue that government measures to address economic hardships have failed to meet their expectations. The strike, organized by multiple teachers’ unions, has disrupted schools nationwide, affecting millions of students and reigniting debates over Algeria’s education policies and economic priorities.
At the heart of the protest is the longstanding issue of inadequate salaries that teachers claim do not reflect the rising cost of living. Despite previous government pledges to enhance wages, educators argue that their earnings remain insufficient, particularly in urban centers where inflation has significantly eroded purchasing power. According to union representatives, the average starting salary for a teacher in Algeria is well below that of their counterparts in neighboring countries, making it increasingly difficult for educators to sustain a reasonable standard of living. In addition to salary grievances, the striking teachers are calling for comprehensive reforms in the education sector, citing overcrowded classrooms, outdated curricula, and inadequate infrastructure as major concerns. Many schools, particularly in rural areas, suffer from a lack of basic facilities, further exacerbating the challenges faced by both teachers and students. Union leaders emphasize that these conditions not only undermine the quality of education but also contribute to widespread dissatisfaction among educators, many of whom are considering leaving the profession.
The Algerian government, led by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, has attempted to address economic grievances in recent years, including wage adjustments in various public sectors. However, the impact of these measures has been limited, with inflation and currency depreciation offsetting much of the intended relief. Government officials have acknowledged the concerns raised by teachers and have expressed willingness to engage in dialogue. Minister of Education Mohamed Seghir Sadaoui has called for negotiations with union representatives, urging them to return to the bargaining table to seek mutually acceptable solutions. However, the striking teachers remain skeptical, arguing that previous negotiations have resulted in little tangible progress. The failure to implement promised reforms has fueled distrust between educators and the government, making it difficult to reach a resolution without concrete commitments.
This latest labor action follows a series of student demonstrations last month, in which university and secondary school students protested against the high costs of private tutoring and outdated educational materials. These protests underscored broader frustrations with the state of Algeria’s education system, where many students feel unprepared for competitive job markets both domestically and internationally. The intersection of student grievances and teachers’ demands reflects deeper systemic issues that cannot be resolved through short-term salary adjustments alone. Education experts argue that Algeria needs a comprehensive strategy to modernize its schooling system, invest in teacher training, and ensure that classrooms are equipped to meet 21st-century challenges. Without such reforms, they warn, the country risks long-term declines in educational quality and workforce preparedness.
The strike has also drawn attention from international observers, with human rights and labor organizations monitoring the government’s response. Algeria has a history of labor activism, and while authorities have generally allowed protests within legal frameworks, tensions can escalate if demonstrations persist without resolution. Some analysts predict that the government may seek to placate teachers with temporary financial incentives, but this approach is unlikely to resolve the underlying structural issues that have fueled dissatisfaction for years. Public opinion on the strike remains divided. While many parents sympathize with teachers’ struggles, they are also concerned about the disruption to their children’s education. With examinations approaching, extended school closures could have long-term implications for students’ academic progress. This puts additional pressure on the government to find a timely resolution that balances the demands of educators with the needs of families and the broader education system.
As negotiations continue, the outcome of this strike will likely shape future labor movements in Algeria, particularly within the public sector. If teachers succeed in securing meaningful wage increases and workplace reforms, their actions could inspire other professional groups to push for similar concessions. Conversely, a failure to address their grievances could lead to further unrest, prolonging instability in an already fragile economic climate. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Algeria’s education sector can find a path toward sustainable improvements or whether the current crisis will deepen existing frustrations. Either way, the teachers’ strike has reignited a national conversation about the value of education and the role of the government in ensuring that educators receive fair compensation and support for their critical work.
