Algiers: strike in the French consulate

ALGIERS - The activities of the General Consulate of France in Algiers are "almost" paralyzed because of an unlimited strike launched by the French officers recruited locally, who require "respect for their contract" for the payment of wages.

•    These agents refuse the change in their contracts that would result in full payment of their salaries in dinars, the currency of Algeria, while most of them were paid in France in euros.
  
•    "We want that the French government maintains and respects our contracts, signed for some more than ten years ago, and which specified that our salaries were paid in Euros in France, said these officials.
  
•    All of these agents, who represent 60% of the consulate staff, observe the movement that began in early January by strikes of two days a week, they added.
  
•    "But we have filed a notice of indefinite strike from February 1st, said these agents.
  
•    "We have no leeway, we just respect the legislation of Algeria", said on his side Loan Forgeron, media and communications advisor to the Embassy of France.
  
•      "The Bank of Algeria has imposed more strict exchange controls which prohibits us from paying agents with local status in Euros," according to the bank.
  
•      "If the Bank of Algeria is changing the rules, then the French government must find a solution," felt the strikers, highlighting the costs that some in France have to pay credits, their children's education or assistance to their families.
  
•    The strike severely disrupts the issuance of visas and documents requested by the French living in Algeria as passports or identity cards.
  
• Ennaharonline/ M. O.