Egypt Government Affirms Respect for Covenants on Labor Relations and Freedoms

In a letter to workers on Labor Day (Wednesday May 1), Khaled Al-Azhari, Minister of Manpower and Immigration, said: "The government respects labor conventions as well as labor and trade union freedoms, and seeks to amend laws to improve labor conditions, and to hold workers elections at the earliest possible opportunity.

"The Ministry is keen to achieve independence of the labor movement within the framework of a law that protects freedoms, and is universally agreed upon, which is now under discussion through an ongoing community dialogue among all relevant parties in Egypt."

Azhari assured he stands at the same distance from all labor groups, movements and stakeholders, and does not interfere in their affairs. He further expressed hope for holding labor elections as soon as possible, in order to achieve legal and syndicate stability of honorable Egyptian workers.