The Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI) rejected Monday the decision approving the formation of an independent union for land transportation workers by Minister of Manpower Nahed Ashry.
The federation highlighted the need to “stop such decisions which result in unrest among workers”. The FEI added that the consequences of this unrest may include halting the production continuity and obstructing the path of progress.
The FEI said the decision is considered a fragmentation in the Egyptian syndicate movement, and will increase the severity of the national division.
The FEI demanded the intervention of Prime Minister Ibrahim Mehleb to stop this decision, “which obstructs overall economic development”.
Mohamed Alsewedi, the president of the FEI, said the federation’s stance on the matter is clear. He explained that the formation of any independent trade union or entity is rejected.
Workers in Egypt belong to the Egyptian Trade Union Federation (ETUF). The land transportation workers planned a protest last Sunday, but did not follow through with the plan after talks with the President of the ETUF Gebaly El-Maraghy.
El-Maraghy also stated his dissatisfaction with the decision to have an independent union. He has stated that these unions are not supervised by the Central Auditing Organization (CAO), and seek to collect contributions for workers illegally.
Several unions in Beheira, Damietta and Gharbeya also announced their refusal to form an independent union for land transportation workers.
