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The workers have been on strike for almost one month, demanding improved working conditions, higher wages and a transparent and competitive enterprise.



Neither the government nor company executives have responded positively to the claims. On 13 October, five of the striking workers were arrested, a totally unacceptable escalation of the dispute. Nineteen workers began a hunger strike on Monday in protest over the arrests, demanding their release. Hundreds around the country are continuing the strike.



“We were disappointed to see that yesterday, the Egyptian Minister of Communication, Mr. Mohamed Salem, made a public statement in support of company managers and officers,” said UNI General Secretary Philip Jennings in his letter to the Prime Minister. “We fear that this will provoke even more hostile anti-union actions on the part of company management.”



Jennings asked the Prime Minister to bring about a negotiated solution.



“The strikers should be assured that in a democratic Egypt they have the right to engage in this activity as a full expression of their freedom of association,” Jennings said. “The detainees must be released without delay. Serious talks should begin at once with the Independent Union of Telecom Workers of Egypt.”



UNI also asked that Minister of Manpower Mr. Ahmed Hassan Bori, who has been a progressive voice in labour matters, be given a central role to mediate the end of this conflict.



News of the strike and pressure on workers was shared with delegates at the UNI ICTS conference in Mexico City. The unions will look for ways to show their solidarity with their Egyptian sisters and brothers.



Click on "Related Files" to read Philip Jennings's letter to Prime Minister Sharaf.