Over 24,000 workers at Egypt’s state-owned Misr Spinning and Weaving Company in Mahalla al-Kubra scored an important labor victory on Sept. 29. They went on strike for nearly one week, demanding improved compensation—and they won.
The strike is one of over 200 workers’ demonstrations that have swept Egypt over the past year.
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The struggle in Mahalla resurfaced after the government failed to follow through on the deal made after a wave of strikes in December 2006. The workers there have been at the forefront of the Egyptian labor struggle.
In the September 2007 strike, workers established a security force to protect the factory premises, and threatened to occupy the company’s administrative headquarters. Chants included, “We will not be ruled by the World Bank! We will not be colonialism!”
The workers won a bonus equivalent to 90 days’ pay. This likely will be increased. In addition, a committee will be formed to negotiate increases in extra compensation for the hazardous nature of their work. Incentive pay will be linked to basic pay and subject to a seven percent annual increase. The company’s executive board will be dissolved and the CEO will be fired. The strike days will be considered a paid vacation.
Misr Spinning and Weaving and other state-owned companies employ 10 percent of Egypt’s 22-million-strong workforce. These state-owned companies are remnants of the national struggle of the Egyptian people in the 1950s and 60s.
Since the 1970s, Egypt’s capitalist ruling class turned toward U.S. imperialism. It recognized the colonialist state of Israel in 1978. Later, it became the second largest recipient of U.S. military aid. This coincided with its efforts to privatize completely the Egyptian economy.
According to the World Bank, Egypt’s economy is booming due to its seven percent annual growth. The reality for Egypt’s 80 million people, however, is much different. Misr Spinning has recorded over 18 million euros so far this year. Meanwhile, working class people are struggling.
The scope of the Misr Spinning strike and its impact across Egypt could have a significant impact on the country’s labor movement.
The textile workers have shown that a militant struggle can defeat the greedy capitalist bosses and their repressive state machinery.
