Algerian catering workers commence hunger strike

Over 1100 catering workers employed by three companies have commenced a hunger strike at one of the largest gas fields in the world at Hassi R'Mel, Algeria. This latest action follows months of protests and strikes over the right to form unions and to bargain to improve salaries,shifts, conditions of work, housing and transportation.Despite agreement by the host company, the State petroleum monopoly Sonatrach and the catering companies to recognise the legitimacy of the workers claims, nothing was done to implement the agreement.The workers went on strike again on May 29 and the company brought in replacement labor.The indefinite hunger strike is an extreme response to seek recognition and justice.