Strikes in Helwan and El Mahalla

The Center for Trade Union and Workers' Services (CTUWS) reports strikes spreading in Helwan and El Mahalla on 11 February.

- + - + -

Clashes in Military Factories

After the workers of military factories #45 and 54 have announced their strike this morning, the minister of military production declared today as 'official leave'. The workers, who emerged to streets, got irritated and had clashes with the military forces there. But no injuries have been reported.

Yesterday workers from other military factories # 63 and 360 went on strike seeking fixing temporarily workers and getting 100% bonuses. But they have broken their strike after a meeting with the board chairman, who promised them to fulfill their demands; however they got surprised today when they heard about the decree of 'official leave'.

- + - + -

Today morning 24,000 workers of Misr Textile and Spinning Company in El Mahallah city have gone onto strike, asking the management of the company for raising their wages in order to fit with the high prices.

Morning shift Workers have joined the others of the night shift and gathered together in front of the management building, announcing their strike against low wages, high prices, and deterioration of Egyptian workers' life standers, in particular, and Egyptian citizens in general. They chanted "put your hand with my hand to defeat the thieves gang", referring to Egypt's stolen fortunes. However, the company security chained the gate to prevent workers from getting in or out.

- + - + -

Workers at the The International Company for Constructions & Special Maintenance (INTERMAINT) and Esenpro Company struck yesterday and today inside the Helwan Cement Company. The workers asked for a one-day paid holiday for each four days of work, a meal for each worker working more than 8 hours per day, the right for health care, and permanent labour contracts with the contractor. Inhabitants of the area gathered to the workers asking for jobs for their sons and daughters. It is noteworthy that workers of the two companies work with the Helwan Cement Company through a contractor.

- + - + -

Workers of the Coke Company in Helwan announced a strike today. More than four thousand workers gathered in front of the company’s management calling for rises in salary, permanent contracts for temporary workers, and paying increments dependent on realized increases in exports. The demonstrators in front of the Coke Company management are shouting anti-corruption slogans, hailing the people’s revolution, and chanting “where is the press, here are the wronged Coke workers”.