Crossword Genius

In Algeria, union leaders suffer nerve pain (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

neuralgia

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'nerve pain' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'in algeria union leaders suffer' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'union' could be 'u' (common abbreviation as in 'Trades Union Congress') and 'u' is found within the answer.
an anagram of 'algeria' is 'eralgia' which is located in the remaining letters.
A single letter 'n' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for neuralgia that I've seen before include "Acute pain of the nerves" , "Sharp pain extending along nerves" , "Pain from damaged nerve" , "Pains in the neck" , "Severe pain through damaged nerves" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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