Stop Child Labor and Support Daily and Seasonal Workers

Statement by the Revolutionary Socialists

A recent incident that nearly turned into a disaster saw about 43 children, aged between 9 and 19 years, injured when a pickup truck transporting them to work in sugarcane fields in Qena Governorate overturned.
While the state emphasizes its preventive measures against the COVID-19 pandemic, this incident reveals the harsh reality faced by millions of low-income families and their children, who are forced by poverty to work in conditions lacking the most basic safety standards. How can children avoid catching infections if they are compelled to crowd by the dozens in transport vehicles? Why are children as young as nine years old forced to work in the first place? The answer lies in the capitalist system that generates profits for businessmen while simultaneously creating poverty.

Alongside the accumulated profits of capitalists in banks and stock markets, there is an accumulation of poverty that traps millions of Egyptians in a cycle of poverty, pushing them to risk their lives daily to earn a few pounds to survive and face another day of work. These children belong in school seats, not in overcrowded transport vehicles filled with workers.

The state favors investors with tax and customs exemptions and facilitates labor and wage reductions. It can ensure a decent life for millions of Egyptians if it aligns with their demands and needs.
We demand the imposition of a wealth tax on capitalists whose wealth exceeds 2 million EGP at a rate of 1% to be collected once. We also call for providing financial support of no less than 1500 EGP per month for daily and seasonal workers, and we demand an end to all forms of child labor exploitation.