Saturday 19 February 2011

After the carrot, Egypt's rulers show the stick

Egypt's new military rulers, after promising to deliver civilian rule in six months, have warned workers using their new-found freedom to protest about pay and conditions that strikes must stop. Skip related content
The military council, under pressure from activists to speed up the pace of reform, has adopted a softly-softly approach since taking power after the downfall of Hosni Mubarak, but said late on Friday that labour unrest threatened national security.
Their order came amid exuberant celebrations by millions across Egypt with fireworks, dancing and music to mark a week since Mubarak, 82, was swept aside after 30 years, triggering a cascade of protest throughout the Middle East.
"They (strikes) will be confronted and legal steps will be taken against them to protect the security of the nation and citizens," said the statement on state media, which in effect bans strikes and industrial action.
"It's Not The Time For It," said a banner headline in the state-owned Akhbar Elyom newspaper, urging the nation to end work stoppages which were causing "a state of paralysis to our national economy" and losing Egypt crucial revenue.Read More

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