Labor Unions Threaten Strikes, Bolster Egyptian Protests

Labor Unions Threaten Strikes, Bolster Egyptian Protests

CAIRO (AP/The Blaze) – Thousands of state workers and impoverished Egyptians went on strike Wednesday after weeks of anti-government protests cast a spotlight on corruption and the wealth amassed by those in power in a country where almost half the people live near the poverty line.

The protests calling for President Hosni Mubarak‘s ouster have been spreading since Tuesday outside of Cairo’s Tahrir Square, where they have been concentrated for the past week. On Wednesday, demonstrators also gathered at parliament, the Cabinet and the Health Ministry buildings, all a few blocks from the square. Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq was working out of the Civil Aviation Ministry on the other side of the city because his office was blocked by protesters.

For the first time, protesters were forcefully urging labor strikes despite a warning by Vice President Omar Suleiman that calls for civil disobedience are “very dangerous for society and we can’t put up with this at all.” His warnings Tuesday were taken by protesters as a thinly veiled threat of another crackdown.

Strikes erupted in a breadth of sectors — among railway and bus workers, state electricity staff and service technicians at the Suez Canal, in factories manufacturing textiles, steel and beverages and at least one hospital.

“They were motivated to strike when they heard about how many billions the Mubarak family was worth,” said Kamal Abbas, a labor leader. “They said: ‘How much longer should we be silent?’”

Egyptians have been infuriated by newspaper reports that the Mubarak family has amassed billions, and perhaps tens of billions of dollars in wealth while, according to the World Bank, about 40 percent of the country’s 80 million people live below or near the poverty line of $2 a day. The family’s true net worth is not known.

“O Mubarak, tell us where you get $70 billion dollars,” dozens of protesters chanted in front of the Health Ministry.

Growing labor unrest is adding a new dimension to the pressures for Mubarak to step down. The protesters filling streets of Cairo and other cities for the past 16 days have already posed the greatest challenge to the president’s authoritarian rule since he came to power 30 years ago. They have wrought promises of sweeping concessions and reforms, a new Cabinet and a purge of the ruling party leadership.

The strikes broke out across Egypt as many companies reopened for the first time since night curfews were imposed almost two weeks ago. Not all the strikers were responding directly to the protesters’ calls. But the movement‘s success and its denunciations of the increasing poverty under Mubarak’s rule resonated and reignited labor discontent that has broken out frequently in recent years.

Labor Unions Threaten Strikes, Bolster Egyptian ProtestsIn Tahrir Square, the epicenter of the anti-government protests, at least 10,000 massed again on Wednesday, the day after a crowd of about a quarter-million proved that they had not lost momentum even as Mubarak clings to power. Visitors snapped pictures and took videos while vendors sold nuts, popcorn, Egyptian flags, sandwiches and drinks.

Efforts by Vice President Suleiman to open a dialogue with protesters over reforms have broken down since the weekend, with youth organizers of the movement deeply suspicious that he plans only superficial changes far short of real democracy. They refuse any talks unless Mubarak steps down first.

Showing growing impatience with the rejection, Suleiman issued a sharp warning that raised the prospect of a renewed crackdown. He told Egyptian newspaper editors late Tuesday that there could be a “coup” unless demonstrators agree to enter negotiations.

Although it was not completely clear what he meant by “coup,” protesters heard it as a veiled threat to impose martial law — which would be a dramatic escalation in the standoff.

“We can’t bear this for a long time,” Suleiman said of the protests. “There must be an end to this crisis as soon as possible.” He said the regime wants to resolve the crisis through dialogue, warning: “We don’t want to deal with Egyptian society with police tools.”

Suleiman, a close confident of the president, rejected any “end to the regime” including an immediate departure for Mubarak, who says he will serve out the rest of his term until September elections. Suleiman reiterated his view that Egypt is not ready for democracy.

Suleiman suggested Egypt was not ready for democracy, and said a government-formed panel of judges, dominated by Mubarak loyalists, would push ahead with recommending its own constitutional amendments to be put to a referendum. Those statements further deepened skepticism over his intentions.

Still, authorities continued to try to project an image of normalcy. Egypt’s most famous tourist attraction, the Pyramids of Giza, reopened to tourists on Wednesday after a 12-day closure. But few came to visit — tens of thousands of foreigners have fled Egypt amid the chaos, raising concerns about the economic impact of the protests.

Comments (43)

  • Kerri g
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 5:58pm

    These people are sooooooooooo stupid. They are playing with fire and Shariah Law for everyone. Bet you won’t get your big pensions, health care and other benefits with Shariah Law. There will not be any jobs just like in the rest of the muslim countries. Yep, let’s all unite around that thought for awhile.

    Report Post »  
  • B-Neil
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:08pm

    Ya gotta give it to these Union guys. STIKE-STRIK-STRIK dumb a-ses can’t get a hit….Carry on McDuff

    Report Post »  
  • The Gooch
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 9:18am

    Yep. I didn’t even get thru the second paragraph. Is this really surprising.
    “Labor Unions Threaten to Work!” Now that’s a story.
    Let me take the proverbial stab at how this is playing out: Our country is falling apart, people are being trampled and killed in the streets, and our economy is a train wreck… but it’s all about US! Stupid and greedy is ecumenical.

    Report Post »  
  • smithclar3nc3
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:37am

    Mubarak should pull a Reagan and fire all state workers who strike. He has huindreds of thousand who need work and some of them could replace the striking workers and will be happy to do so.

    Report Post »  
  • hogtrashhd
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 1:31am

    a union stepped in at a place I worked.. we had great benefits with our employer .. and we had senority rights.. great great medical benefits.. I mean there was absolutely NO reason to have any entity step in… but there were a lot of black people who worked there and they got suckered… after the union took over a lot of benefits were downgraded and or taken away.. our raises went from 4% a year to 2%.. we had to start paying medical deductibles which had been zero… we had to pay for prescriptions which had been free .. AND we had to pay union dues.. We lost a lot.. but the unions made a boatload on our backs.. nah.. I’m not a fan of the unions to say the least about that…

    Report Post »  
  • Fina_Biscotti
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 1:21am

    I saw a news banner = Saudi King informed President Obama to stop humiliating President Mubarak to STEP DOWN for an immediate regime, or the KINGDOM will bankroll Egypt.

    King Abdullah sez yr cash ain’t nothing but trash – Prezident Obozo.

    Report Post »  
  • Fina_Biscotti
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 1:18am

    Vice President Sulieman stated the protests have to stop – President Mubarak will finish out his term – after the September elections – and handle the peaceful transition.

    In the meantime, the beautiful areas for their TOURISM industry – is a ghost town.

    Report Post »  
  • hogtrashhd
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:27am

    crack the union people’s heads Egypt.. do it fast .. they are NOT looking out for the best interests of Egypt or it’s people.. they are parasites..

    Report Post »  
    • encinom
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 1:55am

      Sure support the corrupt dictator, not the people… really, Beckerheads would be Soviet police firing on Polish union strikers during the Solidarity movement.

      Report Post »  
  • scout n ambush
    Posted on February 9, 2011 at 11:46pm

    When there is no more money there will be no more unions .I was never a union worker i had to live within my means and that means only get what you need and after you get that paid for you can buy extras.Most union workers would refuse to live like that.I have my home paid for it’s not big but it is my castle .When the money is all gone and unions are broke and have no power because they drove their employer’s out of operation you can tell us how that union is working out for you. I expect the union workers to be suckered into following the same path here as in other countries the plan was to do it there first to make U.S workers more accepting of the idea.They have brainwashed into believing the world owes them something .

    Report Post » scout n ambush  
  • greggor
    Posted on February 9, 2011 at 10:55pm

    These are FIGHTING words.. as in war.
    Like many are suggesting.. BE PREPARED.

    Report Post »  
  • encinom
    Posted on February 9, 2011 at 10:53pm

    The Ironic think is Beck is a member of AFTRA, as are all the talent on Fox news. Beck collects the benefits of his union membership, with healthcare, etc. while lies the the ignorant masses about the dangers of unions.

    Report Post »  
  • eat-more-bacon-USA
    Posted on February 9, 2011 at 10:17pm

    Smells like obama.

    Report Post » eat-more-bacon-USA  
  • RLTW
    Posted on February 9, 2011 at 10:13pm

    Applies to what the progressives are doing here America, as well as the rest of the world.

    “The dictator state has one great advantage over reason: along with the individual it swallows up his religious forces.
    The State takes the place of God; that is why, seen from this angle, the socialist dictatorships are religions and State slavery is a form of worship.
    But the religious function cannot be dislocated and falsified in this way without giving rise to secret doubts, which are immediately repressed so as to avoid conflict with the prevailing trend towards mass-mindedness.
    The result, as always in such cases, is overcompensation in the form of fanaticism, which in its turn is used as a weapon for stamping out the least flicker of opposition.
    Free opinion is stifled and moral decision ruthlessly suppressed, on the plea that the end justifies the means, even the vilest.
    The policy of the State is exalted to a creed, the leader or party boss becomes a demigod beyond good and evil, and his votaries are honored as heroes, martyrs, apostles, missionaries.
    There is only one truth and beside it no other. It is sacrosanct and above criticism. Anyone who thinks differently is a heretic, who, as we know from history, is threatened with all manner of unpleasant things.
    Only the party boss, who holds the political power in his hands, can interpret the State doctrine authentically, and he does so just as suits him”.
    C.G. Jung from the late 50’s

    Report Post »  
  • dwntwnbrowne
    Posted on February 9, 2011 at 9:22pm

    The unfortunate part is that most people do not understand the basic economic principles of how unions effect unemployment/wages. Unions drive the wage rate above market clearing rates thus allowing less employment. The only way to force the company to hire more people would be to either lower the cost of their supplies (putting suppliers out of business) or devaluing the currency through expansionary monetary policy. Unions will NEVER be able to help an economy on a scale to the size of the United States (especially now that union bosses are the sole voice for the thousands of their members)

    Report Post »  
  • flyguync
    Posted on February 9, 2011 at 9:14pm

    $70 billion is a lot of money, but this sounds the tired old union class warfare. Maybe Mubarek has made good investments, but if these people are not being overly burdoned by the government what is their major complaint? It sounds like these people are expecting the government to “create” more jobs. Sound familiar?

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  • heavyduty
    Posted on February 9, 2011 at 8:58pm

    Another two weeks will destroy Egypt. Go get them UNIONS to strike. That’s the only thing they are good for.

    Report Post »  
  • blanco
    Posted on February 9, 2011 at 8:54pm

    If you are in a union, how angry you must be to see your money and support go to other countries while your “leaders” are making out just fine!

    Report Post »  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on February 9, 2011 at 8:44pm

    Imagine if all the Jewish slaves had went on strike. No Pyramids. Oh, wait, they would have just been put to death. Send in the purple shirts.

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
  • etetetet
    Posted on February 9, 2011 at 8:43pm

    Walk Like an Egyptian – No thanks

    Report Post »  
    • randy
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 12:00am

      @ENCINOM

      Actually you moron, I worked in a union company for 23 years as a salaried non union employee.
      One Union story sticks out even after all these years. I’ll make it short for you. Tired of calling the union people over to fix an environmental control problem 3 times a week. Decided to call them, sit in the dark up on the roof to see exactly what they did when the came to fix the problem. 4 Guys showed up. all with a cup of coffee, 3 with a newspaper, After they all sat down for 45 minutes, drinking their coffee, reading their newspapers, one of them got to his feet, walked over to the steam Valve, reached in his back pocket for a crescent wrench, turned the bleed valve on that steam valve to drain some condensate (all of 15 seconds) Sat back down, finished their coffee, papers and **** chatted for another 40 minutes before heading back downstairs to tell my co workers they fixed the problem. 4 Union Men, one and a half hours later. Do the Math MORON. Needless to say, never called the again for anything. So…….don’t you even try to tell me about your precious unions. Quit my job yen years ago to start my own business which is doing very well even in this economy.

      Report Post » randy  
    • encinom
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 1:52am

      @randy

      So your problem is that you worked for one company and show one instance of 4 union workers slacking off. Did you report this? No you are just a bitter little man, who is going to passively aggressively take out his fustrations on others.

      I worked in construction saw the difference between Union and non-union shops. Non-union shop hire illegals off the streets, poor pay and poor safety records. No concern for the workers only the bottom line. The workers they hire do not have any baragining power, so don’t use the Adam Smith line, its the Unions that equalize the postions between employers and employees. Union shops, a fair wage is paid, the sites are safe. The American workers greatest standard of living cam in the 1950′s when the Union roles were at their highest. The wealthy in the South fool the ignorant blue color workers into doing away with the union protection.

      Report Post »  
    • randy
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 9:50am

      @ETETETET
      Reported them so many times I started receiving death threats from union members. Letters telling me they knew where I live, jokes about them being on the company water tower and what a great rifle shot could be taken at me from that height and about checking for brake fluid puddles under my car before I left for home. Union members always seen in parking lots smoking pot and drinking during lunch and breaks and those same union members being the only persons allowed to run the overhead cranes. So no Moron, I’m not a bitter man at all. Actually I‘m one of the happiest guys you’ll ever meet. This country is about ready to re-boot itself and when it does, you and your lazy ignorant union members will be on the outside looking in. You’re not worth any more of my time.
      Oh wait, is that your mom calling? Your grilled cheese sandwich and Obama Kool Aid must be ready, You can come up from the basement now.

      Report Post » randy  
  • randy
    Posted on February 9, 2011 at 8:41pm

    Workers of the World Unite…… Labor Unions disgust me

    Report Post » randy  
    • cnsrvtvj
      Posted on February 9, 2011 at 8:46pm

      No way, take that back Randy……the unions trying to control the situation? Shocking! The unions are so out of control around the world, it’s not even funny. I saw the head of the AFL-CIO, Richard Trumpka put out a statement supporting the uprising in Egypt. Not surprising at all.

      http://www.donsmithshow.com – see the Muslim Brotherhood video

      Report Post » cnsrvtvj  
    • pscully17
      Posted on February 9, 2011 at 8:52pm

      what did glenn beck warn us about? hey you diots on the left– TADA!! Big Labor fashioned a geneicidal regime in germany, was used and abused to gain poer in the dark ages of Russia, was the catalyst to the deaths of millions through starvation and poverty in Russia, Vietnam, Cambodia!! The United Staes in its first 140 years of existance and INDVIDUALISM, CAPITALISM< COMPETITION and innovation and freedom to think built an empire second to none, with 90 percvent of the population living 100 times more comfortable than any third world country on the planet!! redistribution of wealth makes the ELITES wealthy and the poor DIRT POOR!! GOD BLESS AMERICA!! We saved the world from 2 massive wars, our medicine, technology, and charity has saved millions of lives world wide!!! without a Capitalist FREE AMERICA, the world will plummet into dirt farming depression with disease and plague. Good Luck if we fall people!

      Report Post »  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on February 9, 2011 at 8:59pm

      randy
      Do you ever walk up to the ladies and say, Hi, I’m Randy. The Brits would love you.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on February 9, 2011 at 9:04pm

      randy
      By the way, I have a friend that was stationed at a NATO assignment, his first name is Randy, as he was being introduced to all his new British workmates, mostly women, he kept saying, “Hi, I’m Randy”, one of the ladies looked at him and said, “I bet you are”. He quickly went by Randal for the rest of the time.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • 1911a1
      Posted on February 9, 2011 at 9:05pm

      We need to do away with Unions ! all of em !

      Report Post » 1911a1  
    • A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
      Posted on February 9, 2011 at 9:25pm

      Don’t let the Unions control the economy, Egypt. Tell them to not let the door hit them on the way out, and then stand for individual liberty.

      The Unions are going to destroy Egypt, too, if they’re not careful. They think they have a right to decide what a “fair wage” is. There’s no such thing: Both an employer‘s wealth and the worker’s labor belong to their respective owners. A “fair wage” is exactly what both of them agree to – and one of them usually needs one more than the other, and there’s nothing wrong with that. A worker owns what he has, just as an employer does.

      Report Post »  
    • OU812BTW
      Posted on February 9, 2011 at 9:46pm

      All things have their season and unions… you are now in the winter of our discontent, And it’s getting colder!

      Report Post » OU812BTW  
    • CatB
      Posted on February 9, 2011 at 9:46pm

      Thug unions .. just like here .. useful idiots … do they really think they will be “taken care of” when they are done with them?

      Report Post »  
    • Margaret Thatcher
      Posted on February 9, 2011 at 10:41pm

      Unions suck. I have had first hand experience. Let them all rot in hell. If they don’t do it on their own, I will help force the issue.

      Report Post »  
    • encinom
      Posted on February 9, 2011 at 10:47pm

      @RAndy,

      Do you enjoy a five day work week, safety rules, overtime pay? What about not having kids in coal mines? Every labor reform was purchased with the blood of a union worker. You are a petty little soul, brainwashed by Beck and your corporate masters to protests against your interests.

      Report Post »  
    • jzs
      Posted on February 9, 2011 at 10:51pm

      Good luck blaming evil “unions” – those who organize to speak with one voice, like the PTA or neighborhood associations – on the unrest in Egypt.

      The situation is that you have a dictatorship with a very rich and a very few powerful. And those rich and powerful people, like all of you on this website, seem to support one freedom: the freedom of the powerful to become ever more powerful and the rich to become ever more rich. The rich and powerful, you say, are deserving and are in that position because they have a good work ethic and are the smartest in the country. And you claim any person from a slum has an equal chance of joining the the rich and powerful if they work hard enough. And you claim that if we allow the rich and powerful to become ever more rich and powerful they will create wealth for everyone and give us all freedom.

      Egyptians aren’t buying that line. Governments whose laws create a small class of rich and powerful people, and a large class of disaffected, poor people are eventually overthrown.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 9, 2011 at 11:24pm

      Let the blood-suckers STRIKE, already!

      How many air traffic controllers did Reagan fire? Non-union workers were hired to fill their jobs.

      With unemployment what it is here in the States, I’m guessing that there will be a LOT of jobs filled if union “workers” strike!

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 9, 2011 at 11:28pm

      @Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra –

      And, you don’t ask a Canadian to run you up the mast, either, when you ARE talking about the sailboat!

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on February 9, 2011 at 11:37pm

      @Showtime
      Good one.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • Polwatcher
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 6:00am

      The socialists have joined with the terrorists to take over. Beck is right again.

      Report Post »  

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