My name is El Mahfoudh Megateli, and I am the Secretary General of the General Confederation of Algerian Enterprises (CGEA), also a member of the GB ILO. The CGEA is an employers' organization in Algeria that represents and defends the interests of Algerian companies both nationally and internationally. My role involves coordinating the organization's activities, representing members to public authorities, and promoting a favorable environment for business development in Algeria.
My expectations for this field visit to Brussels were to better understand the practices of social dialogue in Belgium and to identify strategies that could be adapted to our context in Algeria. I also sought to establish contacts with Belgian counterparts and explore collaboration opportunities. I am satisfied with this visit as it allowed me to achieve these goals by discovering innovative practices and establishing valuable professional relationships.
I found the tripartite social consultation model in Belgium, involving unions, employers, and the government, particularly inspiring. The National Labour Council (CNT), the enterprise councils, and the prevention and protection committees at work also seemed very relevant. These mechanisms allow for open and regular communication between all stakeholders, which could be beneficial for improving social dialogue in Algeria.
Discussions with my Belgian counterparts confirmed the importance of a structured and institutionalized social dialogue for economic and social stability. They also highlighted the need for close collaboration between employers and unions to address common challenges. This prompted me to reconsider some of our current approaches in Algeria and to consider more inclusive and participatory methods.
I believe that the establishment of joint committees within companies, similar to the Belgian enterprise councils, could greatly improve social dialogue in Algeria. Additionally, encouraging continuous professional training and development for employer and worker representatives could enhance the quality of negotiations. These practices would contribute to better regional integration by harmonizing standards and promoting a culture of constructive dialogue.
Upon my return, I plan to hold a series of meetings and workshops to share the knowledge and experiences gained during this visit. I will also draft a detailed report and propose concrete recommendations based on the best practices observed in Belgium. Furthermore, I intend to encourage the organization of similar exchange visits for other CGEA members to continue enriching our approach to social dialogue.
I plan to maintain the contacts established with our Belgian counterparts and explore partnership possibilities on specific projects related to social dialogue and business development. I also wish to organize regular exchanges to share progress and challenges encountered. Finally, I will promote joint initiatives, such as seminars and training sessions, to strengthen our members' capacities in social dialogue.
One of the most impactful moments was visiting a Belgian enterprise council in action the CNT, where I could closely observe the dynamics and effectiveness of the dialogue between employer and worker representatives. A discussion with a Belgian union representative on the importance of transparency and mutual trust in negotiations was also very enlightening. These experiences reinforced my belief that similar practices could be highly beneficial for the Algerian context.
