Egypt: ITUC Supports Strikes and Protests

International Trade Union Confederation

ITUC OnLine

Egypt: ITUC Supports Strikes and Protests

Brussels 9 February 2011 (ITUC OnLine): As the strikes and protest movements taking place in towns and cities across Egypt multiply, the international trade union movement has sent a message of support to the tens of thousands of Egyptian workers as they continue to fight for democracy, social justice and trade union rights.

In Suez, Cairo, Luxor, Mahalla, Menya, Quesna...workers are protesting in support of the struggle for democracy and to demand the respect of their social and trade union rights. Many sectors are involved including textiles (Mahalla Spinning Company, Misr Spinning and Weaving Company), cement (Helwan Cement Company), coal (Helwan Coke Company), tourism, telecoms, and the pharmaceutical industry (Sigma in Quesna). Several companies linked to the Suez Canal Company are also concerned, although maritime traffic has not been affected. Public sectors, such as education and the postal service have also been affected by this widespread movement.

On Tuesday 8 February trade unions from all over the world took part in the Day of Action for Democracy in Egypt following a decision by the ITUC General Council. Reports of trade union gatherings to mark the day were sent to the ITUC, notably from Japan, Australia, Korea, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, France, Tunisia, Canada, Sweden, Italy, Senegal and Mauritania. On Saturday 12 February Amnesty international is organising similar action: http://www.ituc-csi.org/IMG/pdf/Amnesty_e-flyer_Egypt_solidarity_demo_GE NERIC.pdf

The ITUC reaffirms its support for the new independent trade union federation that brings together existing independent trade unions in the health sector and tax inspectors, as well as representatives of the workforce from the country's principal production sites, civil servants and personnel from other sectors.

ENDS

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