The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has released its periodic report monitoring developments related to labor justice during January and February 2025. This report comes at a time when the labor scene is witnessing a noticeable escalation in the pace of protests and workers’ demands, amid ongoing violations and challenges faced by workers across various sectors.
The period covered by the report saw the government announce an increase in the minimum wage to 7,000 Egyptian pounds per month, effective July 2025. This was part of a package of measures aimed at alleviating the living burdens on citizens. Additionally, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced the disbursement of an additional $1.3 billion in funding to support Egypt’s resilience and sustainability program. However, these measures did not prevent the continued rise in prices or the worsening economic crises affecting workers and citizens alike.
On the legislative front, discussions in parliament continued regarding the new labor law, amid reservations and criticisms from unions and labor organizations. These groups called for substantial amendments to the draft law to ensure the protection of workers’ rights and improve their working conditions.
In terms of labor protests, the report documented a widespread wave of strikes and demonstrations across various governorates. Workers from multiple sectors organized movements demanding improvements in living and professional conditions. These protests included workers from water and sewage stations in Alexandria, employees of the Turkish clothing company in Obour, workers at “Inova” Ceramics in Fayoum, and a strike by over 20,000 workers at “Oriental Weavers.”
However, these legitimate demands were met with security crackdowns and legal prosecutions. Dozens of workers were arrested for participating in protests, while many others faced arbitrary dismissals and were deprived of their financial dues. These actions represent blatant violations of international laws and conventions that guarantee the right to union organization and peaceful expression of demands.
In a related context, the report highlighted the continued neglect of occupational safety and health standards in many industrial facilities, leading to tragic workplace accidents. The most notable incident was the explosion at the electricity station of the Mahalla Spinning and Weaving Factory, which resulted in the deaths of three workers and left others seriously injured.
All these incidents reveal the escalating crises facing workers in Egypt amid increasing economic and social pressures. Ongoing violations—whether through strikes, security crackdowns, or arbitrary dismissals—underscore an urgent need for radical reforms. These reforms must include protecting workers’ rights, improving working conditions, and ensuring compliance with labor market regulations. In the absence of meaningful responses to these demands, the risks of social instability and growing public anger continue to rise.