Last week, on Thursday, 10 February 2011, bus drivers and public transport workers in Cairo joined thousands of downtrodden public sector workers on strike. Days before, factory workers in Helwan, estimated to have reached 10,000, undertook a series of sit-ins in cement, coal and wheat factories – amongst others. The impact these strikes had on the regime cannot be diminished. Within days of the strikes, Mubarak finally stepped down.
When transportation workers joined in spreading labour unrest, they effectively invigorated Egypt’s wave of anti-government protests.
On Monday, 14 February 2011, these transit authority workers gathered en masse in front of the State TV station (Maspiro) waving pay stubs and chanting the very same slogans used in Tahrir Square, though not seeking the same political demands: they had come for the basic right to live and support their families.
Bus drivers, ticket-takers, mechanics and other transport workers showed every and any reporter or interested party their pay stubs as they highlighted their shockingly low pay, ranging from 300-600 at the most, and the insurance deductions which according to enraged demonstrators went into the pockets of their employers. Health care was not being provided to any of these labourers. Many of the transportation workers stressed that a few hundred pounds was not enough to pay rent, feed their children and take care of ageing parents let alone provide for the cost of education and cover health care and hospital charges.
At 4:00pm on Tuesday, union workers belonging to Egyptian Federation of Trade Unions began gathering around the union’s headquarters on Galaa Street. Using the same slogans and chants that galvanised millions around Egypt since 25 January. They union workers were asking for the head of the federation to step down and for the 53 year old federation to detach itself from the arms of the regime and become an autonomous and independent union which could better represent Egypt’s work force.
Not long after the protest began peacefully, violence broke out as protests attempted to march into their workplace. Those who had made their way into the building were met with belts, chairs and other projectiles. Soon a full-scale struggle began as both sides began to throw rocks and objects, shattering the glass doors. Security guards and thugs used fire extinguishers at least two times to push protesters back from the entrance.
Then, shortly after, glass bottles began raining down from above as men, standing on the fifth or sixth floor hurled Pepsi-cola and 7-Up bottles at the protesters and anyone holding a camera. At least four people were injured by these volleys.
The military police eventually arrived, but soon left without giving any indication of whether they would return and whether they intended to restore calm. Protesters on the ground yelled and cursed at those inside the entrance and those peering down from the windows, but were soon reunited and resumed their peaceful chants. The day ended with the arrival of the military who requested that three protesters make their way up to the official management of the union in order to set out demands.
Strikes had also erupted in a range of sectors, including railway workers, state electricity staff, Suez Canal service technicians and hospitals. The banking sector also saw a series of strikes on Sunday, 13 February. Banks have since been closed as the Central Bank of Egypt seeks to create avenues for dialogue and conflict resolution. Nevertheless bank staff have expressed their distrust and disdain towards the CBE as it puts off decision making.
A source within a prominent agricultural bank which offers micro-loans to farmers among other services, confirmed that the CBE had asked all banks to form committees of 20 persons and send them to meet with them at given times to discuss grievances, requests and possible resolutions. If demands are not met, bank staff have threatened more drastic measures. Among their demands are higher pay and the resignation of bank managers who are accused of incompetence, abusive policies towards bank staff and bank customers and unlawful appropriation and use of bank funds.
Today, Wednesday, 16 February 2011 has seen thousands gather after yesterday’s lull in protests. According to a prominent Egyptian blogger, 20,000 protesters have gathered at Ghazl el-Mahalla on strike. Teachers are also gathered around the education ministry.
Telecommunications workers, postal staff and state electricity staff have all been on strike and continue their protests, though none have lifted their services. It seems clear that strikers are holding back, hoping that the government will get the message and respond with haste. They are not trying to jeopardise the stability of their country as they have shown restraint in the past weeks. Though the interim government and military council are visibly shaken, they have not announced any steps or plans to bring the necessary justice these workers require.
Protests can and will only continue with many cards as yet left unplayed. The importance of labour in coming days cannot be overestimated, it is incumbent on all those concerned with the future and present of this revolution to recognise this and support workers’ rights as workers and their right to protest generally. Connecting workers’ movements with the claims of other participants in this revolution may not be immediately easy, but in the current climate it seems possible just as it is necessary.
source: Labour protests heat up a week after president steps down | http://www.occupiedlondon.org/cairo/?p=345