The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has documented a strike by workers at the Arab and Polvara Spinning and Weaving Company in Alexandria, demanding the reinstatement of health insurance services that have been suspended for more than a month.
The strike followed unsuccessful attempts by the company’s Chairman and Managing Director, Raafat Tawfiq Qabil, to persuade workers to end the protest before their demands were met.
According to CFJ, the crisis dates back to early October when the Health Insurance Authority in Alexandria halted medical and treatment services for approximately 1,200 workers at the company, including patients with chronic illnesses who require monthly medication and cancer patients deprived of chemotherapy sessions. The suspension was due to the company’s failure to pay insurance contributions and the accumulation of debts exceeding EGP 158 million owed to the National Social Insurance Authority.
Workers stated they had waited over 40 days for management to resolve the issue and restore medical services, but no action was taken, prompting the strike. They added that the company’s chairman acknowledged their grievances but requested time to address the problem, which workers refused, citing urgent medical needs that cannot be delayed.
CFJ emphasized the importance of addressing the workers’ demands promptly and ending discriminatory and punitive measures against them, particularly those related to healthcare services.
