ILO 'conspiring' against Egypt, claims ETUF

The International Labor Organization (ILO) symposium held in Cairo on Sunday devoted to syndicate rights in Egypt witnessed a number altercations between trade union members and syndicate representatives that in some cases almost turned into fistfights.

At the meeting, Egyptian Trade Union Federation (ETUF) President Hussein Megawer criticized ILO Standards Department Deputy Director Karen Curtis for asserting that workers had both the right to form syndicates and to join international labor organizations without restriction, in line with ILO Convention 87.

"This supports syndicate pluralism and independence from trade unions," said Megawer, contending that the ILO was "conspiring" against Egypt. "Where was the ILO 57 years ago to now call for the amendment of Egypt's labor laws?"

Megawer also criticized the minister of economic development for failing to reach agreement with the Egyptian Federation of Industries to raise workers' minimum wages.

Kamal Abu Eita, head of the Independent Real Estate Syndicate, for his part, rejected Megawer's assertions. "Workers have every right to form independent syndicates," he said.