June 18, 2009 -- While employees at multinational oil producers in Algeria relax in air-conditioned shelters, workers at a catering contractor that serves them swelter in tents in the desert. The workers, employed by a subsidiary of the multinational Compass Group, have shifts that last six weeks without a day off.

They decided to create a union in 2006, but management disputed the union’s legitimacy despite initial support from 1,400 workers out of 1,800. They refused to permit meetings on company property, allowed by law.

The union collapsed. Worse yet, the company and its subcontractor have tried to make an example of the union’s elected general secretary, Yassin Zaid. His work contract was suspended, and he faces charges for “slander on the internet.” He lives in fear of further reprisals. The independent Algerian union SNAPAP is asking supporters to pressure the company to abandon legal proceedings against Zaid and to reinstate him — and to cease interfering with the union.

Please send letters to Compass at:

Roy.Gardner@compass-group.co.uk

and

tracy.still@compass-group.co.uk.

At the contractor ESS, email: joel.bill@ess-global.com

and

brahim.beddiaf@ess-global.com