The parliament passed a new law to establish a syndicate for media workers. The voting took place by members of parliament standing, the parliament’s official website reported Monday.
Hamdi El-Konaissi, who headed the Egyptian Radio and Television Union (ERTU) from 1997 to 2001, was one of those who called for the establishment of a Media Syndicate.
El-Konaissi explained in statements to state-owned media Al-Ahram that it will take 10 to 12 months for the syndicate to be formed and elect board members. He added that the syndicate will be required to present two candidates in two new institutions that will be established as well: the national press authority and the national media authority.
The new syndicate’s role will aim at taking care of media workers’ affairs such as their contracts, the protection of copyrights, and other rights. Members of the syndicate are required to be of Egyptian nationality, and not to have been convicted in crimes related to honour, according to a copy of the law published on local media websites.
