CENTER FOR TRADE UNION & WORKERS SERVICES ( CTUWS )
Stop this tampering!
February 5, 2014
Officials and people concerned for workers’ rights and conditions were really shocked and disappointed by the resolution issued by the Ministry of Manpower on 01/30/2014, which stipulates the freezing of the bank account of the Egyptian Democratic Labour Congress (EDLC) .This decision is contrary to the most basic principles of human rights and contradicts Trade Union Freedom agreements signed by the Egyptian government; moreover, it represents a return to the repressive practices which were one of the causes of the glorious revolution of January 25.
This decision, which is not only intrusive but also blunt and unprecedented by the Ministry of Manpower in the affairs of the unions, acts as a clear attack on the Egyptian Constitution, which by means of Article 76 protects the freedom of workers to establish trade unions and ensures their independence. This article states that: ( establishment of unions is a basic one on the basis of a democratic right guaranteed by law. and have legal personality, operate freely, and contribute to raising the level of efficiency among its members and defend their rights and interests The State guarantees the independence of the trade unions and federations , may not be dissolved boards of directors without a court order) .
This reveals the state of and instability and confusion dogging the Ministry of Manpower . This decision contradicts with the announcement of trade union freedoms , issued in 12 March 2011 from the same ministry when it was headed by Dr. Ahmed El-Borai , and that the same ministry had issued her No. 59 dated 01/28/2014 addressed to Bank of Egypt [ branch Kasr El Ainy ] to request the adoption of the signatures of the representatives of the Egyptian Democratic Labour Congress (EDLC) in accordance with the resolutions of the Council General on 07.01.2014 [ signing all of Saad Shaaban , Acting President and treasurer Suhair Hamdy ] .Then in less than 48 hours a subsequent note No. 68 dated 30/01/2014 addressed to the bank requesting to freeze the account of the Union of Egyptian Democratic Labour Congress (EDLC).
This decision reveals the lack of knowledge of some of those in charge of the Ministry of Manpower to the principles and foundations that provided for by the New Constitution of Egypt which won for the freedom and the right of workers to establish unions without tutelage and protect unions from government intervention in its affairs .Furthermore ,it reveals the ignorance of these agreements of trade union freedoms and the principles and foundations of freedom of association established by the labor movement throughout its history .
The Center for Trade Union and Workers Services condemns this infamous intervention of the Ministry of Manpower in the affairs of Egyptian Democratic Workers Congress which represents a blunt assault on the principle of the most important principles of the labor movement .CTUWS calls on all forces of the labor movement and the political forces to be in solidarity with the Egyptian Democratic Labour Congress (EDLC). Such tampering should not pass. CTUWS places the responsibility of intervening in the its affairs on the officials of the Ministry. Not only that , but also place the responsibility on the government and the ruling authority, which must be biased in favor of the Constitution and the principle of revolutions of January 25 and June 30, which are the basis of legitimate unions as one of the most important principles , which has created .
Center of Trade Union and Workers Services (CTUWS)
Mohammed Said Ahmed St.- Petrogas buildings- Alexandria building-
Second Floor – Apartment No. (2)
P.O. Box. 114
Helwan, Egypt
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