✍️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada
In a heartfelt address on May 1, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune reaffirms Algeria’s commitment to social justice, economic transformation, and protection of workers’ rights, while paying tribute to the legacy of sacrifice by Algerian labour movements and martyrs.
Algiers, Algeria | May 1st, 2025 — On the occasion of International Workers’ Day, observed annually on May 1, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune delivered a message of appreciation, renewal, and national resolve, underscoring the strategic role of Algeria’s workforce in the nation’s development and sovereignty.
Speaking in solemn recognition of the enduring contributions of Algerian workers, President Tebboune extended his warmest congratulations to all male and female workers across the country. “It is with sincere joy that I salute you on this global occasion, a day that renews our collective determination to stay true to the nation-building path carved by our valiant ancestors—our righteous martyrs, moudjahidine, and patriots,” the President declared.
Reaffirming Algeria’s unwavering dedication to economic sovereignty and social equity, the Head of State highlighted the significant steps undertaken by the government to uplift the workforce, noting that the country has implemented “unprecedented salary increases, wide-ranging reviews of pay structures and pension systems, alongside significant reductions in tax burdens.”
“These gains are neither symbolic nor temporary,” he emphasized. “They will be bolstered and expanded in line with our commitment to ensure a dignified life, a stable career path, and secure family conditions for every Algerian worker.”
Among the recent legislative achievements cited by the President were the extension of maternity leave and the lowering of the retirement age for teachers across all three educational levels. Tebboune also announced that further legal enhancements were being drafted by the government to “enshrine job security and combat all forms of speculation, extortion, and greed” that undermine purchasing power.
President Tebboune also paid tribute to the historic struggle of Algerian labour movements, invoking the foundational role of the Union Générale des Travailleurs Algériens (UGTA) since its inception in 1956, and honouring the memory of revolutionary union figures such as Aissat Idir and Abdelhak Benhamouda.
“This is a moment to remember the sacrifices of our revolutionary heroes and the workers who stood fearlessly against terrorism during the national tragedy. Their courage, patriotism, and defence of state institutions will remain etched in the conscience of future generations,” he said.
In a forward-looking section of his message, the President celebrated Algeria’s “victorious and proud” present-day workers as vital pillars in shaping a modern, diversified, and innovation-driven economy.
“Our country counts on you,” Tebboune told workers, “especially our highly educated youth who bring the energy and knowledge required to drive entrepreneurship and technological integration. Your ambition and creativity are critical to Algeria’s economic resurgence.”
He extended special encouragement to young entrepreneurs and innovators eager to seize opportunities and create impact: “To all those who are committed to renewal and challenge, I offer my boundless support.”
The message concluded with a solemn salute to all Algerian workers, across all sectors and fields, for their dedication to national progress and human dignity:
“Glory and immortality to our martyrs. Long live Algeria. May peace, mercy, and God’s blessings be upon you all.”
The following is the English translation of the message delivered by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on the occasion of International Workers’ Day, observed on May 1st each year.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
May peace and blessings be upon the noblest of messengers.
My working sisters, my working brothers,
It gives me great pleasure to extend to you my most sincere congratulations on the occasion of International Workers’ Day, celebrated annually on May 1st. This day offers us a renewed opportunity to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the path of nation-building — a path paved with the sacrifices of our ancestors: the righteous martyrs, the valiant mujahideen, the combatants, and all those loyal to this beloved homeland. It is our collective duty to safeguard the sovereign independence of our national decision-making, to protect the capacities and wealth of our country, and to contribute to the rise of a strong, diversified economy that upholds the dignity and autonomy of our nation.
We mark this occasion with resolute determination to consolidate and expand the gains achieved in favor of the labor force, following the implementation of unprecedented increases in workers’ wages. These were made possible through a broad overhaul of salary grids, remuneration systems, pension and retirement allocations, and a significant reduction in tax burdens. These hard-won advances will not only be preserved but further reinforced — in accordance with the commitments we have undertaken — to establish a standard of living that ensures the well-being of workers, provides for a stable and dignified family life, and reaffirms the State’s dedication to safeguarding the dignity of every citizen.
This effort is enshrined at the heart of legal frameworks governing professional careers and retirement — be it through recently enacted reforms such as extended maternity leave, or the lowering of the retirement age for teachers across all three educational tiers, or through the new legislative proposals we have instructed the government to prepare, revise, and enrich. The overarching objective remains the stabilization of employment, and the relentless pursuit of measures aimed at shielding citizens’ purchasing power from the threats of speculation, extortion, and greed.
This commemoration also serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the revolutionary heroes during our blessed war of national liberation. We stand proud of the steadfastness displayed by Algerian workers and unionists throughout our modern history — from the founding of the General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA) on February 24, 1956, to their brave resistance during the dark years of national tragedy. In the face of the barbaric machinery of terrorism, our workers and union leaders took a principled and courageous stand to defend the national State and its institutions. Their memory lives on, a guiding light for generations to come, as a testament to the highest ideals of patriotism and honor.
We are eternally indebted to the martyrs of labor and struggle — foremost among them Aissat Idir and Abdelhak Benhamouda — as well as to their fellow companions, heroes of the glorious liberation revolution and martyrs of national duty. May God have mercy on them all.
My working sisters and brothers,
Victorious Algeria takes pride in and places its trust in its workers — both women and men — who, with unwavering patriotism and commitment from their respective stations, are shaping the contours of a modern economic model. They form the backbone of the country’s new economic direction, and they represent its most enduring and invaluable resource. Their energy is fueled by a generation of highly educated youth, enriched by the experiences of emerging economies. Among them are ambitious and skilled individuals who harness knowledge and technology to integrate into the entrepreneurial ecosystem in ways that invigorate economic activity.
To this generation of youth, driven by the desire to seize opportunities through creative initiatives, I offer my heartfelt salutations and unwavering encouragement. I commend their courage, innovation, and resilience — qualities that fortify Algeria’s economic capacities.
Congratulations to all workers on the occasion of International Workers’ Day. May you find success wherever you are — in all sectors and across every field of endeavor that contributes to the prosperity and advancement of our beloved Algeria.
Long live Algeria.
Glory and eternal remembrance to our martyrs.
May God’s peace, mercy, and blessings be upon you all.
