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UNI Global Union stands in solidarity and wish every success to newly formed Federation, said Philip Jennings addressing members of the Egyptian Federation of Independent Trade Unions.



"We welcome a new era of unionism in Egypt and we are proud that we contributed to this development by working with you last year.



Our UNI team which took part in your Congress reported back to me on the strength and enthusiasm of your members and we are looking forward to see the Federation become a strong voice in the ITUC international family.



The situation in Egypt remains very challenging and I would also like to use this opportunity to send our condolences to the families of the victims of the Mubarak regime, and of the recent tragedy during the Port Said football match.



As you know, UNI Global Union has conducted excellent solidarity work with two unions inside your Federation – the postal and telecom workers unions. These young workers, leaders and activists are in the forefront of change.



We will make sure that the two unions become a strong part of our global family. We look forward to their affiliation in 2012. Last week we met again in Cairo and developed a comprehensive plan of action to organise and bargain collectively. We look forward to helping to win better conditions and increased standards for our new family members in Egypt.



We also look forward to working together with your Federation to organise workers in global companies where UNI Global Union is targeting global recognition. Companies such as Carrefour, Vodafone, Metro Group, DHL, San Paolo Group (Bank of Alexandria) and many others are expanding their operations in Egypt. Our sector global unions will be able to provide you with existing expertise and strength from the unions involved with these companies worldwide.



The independent union movement in Egypt has an ambitious and vital goal - to unionise 23 million unorganised workers, the majority of whom are young and female workers in service sectors. You can fully count on the support of UNI Global Union members in this effort.



Working with UNI Africa and UNI Europa, the Council of Global Unions, ITUC, ETUC, Solidarity Support Organisations and other partners, we will give all possible support to the campaign for freedom of association and collective bargaining in Egypt in order to break through and win this battle.



I would like to assure you that UNI Global Union will continue to work closely and give all possible support to the independent unions in our sectors.



We are looking forward to celebrating new victories of the Egyptian union movement on Tahrir Square on 1st of May this year."