Tag: workers

“There’s no way they can break this one”

Posted on By 3arabawy

I was just on the phone with a Socialist activist in Mahalla, who was also part of the December 2006 strike. Here are some quick notes from him.

The strike is solid… from 10,000 to 15,000 workers slept over in the factory. Men, women, and children who came to join the strikers. During daytime the numbers increase and could border on 20,000… “I can safely say it’s much stronger than the December (2006) move,” he said. “The government will have to negotiate. There’s no way they can break this one.”

The activist also confirmed what Kareem el-Beheiri was complaining about regarding the weak solidarity coming from the Muslim Brothers. “They are hardly noticed. But I can virtually see all other political forces present. There’s a good spirit of cooperation among everyone.”

Solidarity needed from international labor activists

Posted on By 3arabawy

During my phone conversations with the strike leaders and activists inside the company, they always ask me if “the people in America and the world have heard about the strike”? I tell them I and others are doing our best to spread the word… but that’s not enough.

Labor activists reading this, the Mahalla workers are asking for your solidarity. This is the biggest textile mill in the Middle East. Whatever happens in that factory could have a huge impact on the industrial struggle in the country and the rest of the region.

Any statements of solidarity from your labor unions and organizations would be very much appreciated. Please send them to me, and I’ll make sure they will reach the strikers.

Solidarity protests with the Mahalla strikers

Posted on By 3arabawy

The strike is still going on, and the workers are steadfast. There are unconfirmed reports that the corrupt head of the state-sponsored Factory Union Committee has been hospitalized after the workers taught him a lesson.

I’m receiving also more reports from comrades in different locations. Workers For Change mobilized for a demonstration yesterday at the South Giza Grain Mills, in solidarity with the Mahalla strikers. There was HEAVY security presence, as State Security agents were literally everywhere in the factory, to prevent the demo turning into a strike.

Solidarity protests are expected in Kafr el-Dawar pretty soon.