The Committee for Justice (CFJ) issued its Labor Justice bulletin for January and February 2024, in which it monitored the political and economic developments in Egypt that cast shadows on labor justice in the country, as well as labor protests and violations against workers during the same period.
The bulletin revealed that by the year 2024, the economic crisis in Egypt had reached an unprecedented level. Most Egyptians from various social strata were affected by it. Despite Egyptian President Sisi announcing an increase in the minimum wage in February 2024, by up to 50 %, reaching 6000 EGP, private sector workers – who represent the majority of Egypt’s workforce – did not benefit from these increases. Negotiations are still ongoing between the National Wages Council and representatives of companies and employers to determine the minimum wage for the private sector, leading to an increase in labor movements during the reporting period.
CFJ documented 4 labor strikes, 3 protest sit-ins, and 2 protests against economic and professional violations, most of which were for workers affiliated with private sector companies and institutions (six events), two for workers affiliated with companies and institutions belonging to the public sector, and one incident for workers in a government institution.
CFJ also documented the death of about 11 workers and the injury of 7 in various accidents, all falling under the category of “work-related injuries” defined in Social Insurance Law No. 79 of 1975, including injuries that occur during the performance of work or because of it and injuries that occur to the insured person while going to work and returning from it.
The bulletin also addressed the security crackdown on workers due to their protest activity, as happened with the workers of Ghazl Al-Mahalla Company, one of whom was referred to the State Security Prosecution for their strike protesting the non-application of the minimum wage on them.
The bulletin is part of the outputs of the Labor Justice project, through which CFJ aims to increase local and international awareness about the status of workers’ rights in Egypt and explore ways to achieve justice for workers. This is done by monitoring labor market violations in Egypt and highlighting the dynamics of local laws and policies that affect workers’ rights in relation to international human rights principles and conventions.
