Full Support for the Struggle of Ceramic Workers in 10th of Ramadan City to Obtain Their Financial Rights

Statement by the Revolutionary Socialists

The undersigned express their complete solidarity with the struggle of the ceramic workers on the 10th of Ramadan City, Sharqia Governorate. This struggle involves workers from around 12 companies, employing approximately 20,000 workers, in their fight against economic policies that deepen poverty for the poor while enriching the wealthy.

This month, the number of workers has risen in response to significant business owners’ increasing violations of their financial rights. Arbitrary dismissal, especially of honorable union leaders, has become the norm. Amidst the soaring cost of living, the city has witnessed strikes by ceramic workers at Omega, Farassina, Al-Amira, and, most recently, Pyramids. The strikes aim to demand overdue financial entitlements, including profit shares and allowances, and improve occupational health and safety measures. Workers are enduring frequent and permanent injuries due to a lack of genuine protections.

The undersigned declare their complete solidarity with the Pyramids workers, who have been on strike since last Wednesday in protest of the dismissal of two of their colleagues accused of inciting the strike. They also condemn the security threats made against the striking workers, including those from a police colonel who threatened, “I can bring a force to round you all up in five minutes.” This provoked anger among the workers, who stated they were willing to die for their rights, saying, “Over our dead bodies will we end the strike and give up our rights.”

The strikers, who remain steadfast despite the company’s refusal to negotiate and its filing of legal complaints against 13 workers accusing them of vandalism and thuggery to force them to end the strike, have outlined their demands in a formal petition submitted to management. Their demands include raising the meal allowance to 300 EGP instead of 150, increasing the first shift allowance to 10 EGP, the second shift to 15 EGP, and the third shift to 20 EGP.

They also demand the reinstatement of the monthly production incentive, overtime payment approval without requiring the factory manager’s review if approved by the department manager, and the inclusion of allowances (meal and shift allowances) in the monthly salary. Additionally, they demand a 200 EGP salary increase as a cost-of-living adjustment, a minimum social insurance bracket of 600 EGP, and a review of the 2015 annual profit distribution, with a minimum of 1,600 EGP.

The workers have also called for establishing a grievance office to address disciplinary actions and arbitrary dismissals, approving annual leave until the end of the month, and comprehensive insurance coverage against risks associated with raw materials.

The undersigned urge all political, labor, and human rights organizations to stand in solidarity with the striking workers against policies of exploitation and austerity. They call for pressure on state institutions, particularly the Ministry of Manpower, to fulfill their responsibilities toward the striking workers.
Signatories:
• Campaign for a Fair Labor Law
• Workers’ Office of the Revolutionary Socialists
• Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights
• Workers’ Office of the Strong Egypt Party
• Bread and Freedom Party (under formation)