Egyptian strike ban ‘unthinkable and unworkable’

14 February 2011

Egyptian strike ban ‘unthinkable and unworkable’

Commenting on news that the Egyptian military might attempt to ban strikes or trade union meetings that might lead to them, ITF general secretary David Cockcroft said:

“A ban would be unthinkable and unworkable. It is strikes that have helped remove Mubarak and open up the possibility for democratic change and progress. Bus drivers struck in Cairo. Railway workers closed the stations and even put sleepers on the tracks to stop the trains. Local leaders of the maritime union organised strikes along the Suez Canal and in the ports.”

“The people of Egypt have afforded the army a major role in this crucial stage. If the army abuses that trust by attacking trade unions, then it will undermine all that has been achieved, as well as its own standing in the country. It must instead drop this pointless plan and work with everyone concerned to lay the way for prompt and free elections.”

ENDS

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