Employees at 14 power stations began a series of strikes on Monday to push for the removal of ministry officials involved in corruption cases.
Energy Ministry spokesman Aktham Abul Ela denied any strikes were taking place, pointing out that he had communicated with a number of company officials and that they had assured him “things were good.” He went on to say that Minister of Energy Hassan Youssef’s latest decisions had contributed to preventing the strikes.
In a statement, a copy of which has been obtained by Al-Masry Al-Youm, the employees say that most ministries have witnessed wide-scale changes after the 25 January revolution while theirs have not.
The workers said they have submitted memorandums to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces and the cabinet calling for the dismissal of several senior figures in the energy sector, who, they claim, have held their positions for a long time but have contributed nothing to the sector.
The statement called for the adoption of procedures to fight corruption in all its forms and for a stand to be made against the squandering of public funds, which they say is rampant.
The protesters said the low salaries offered in the electricity sector have driven several competent experts out of the field.
The statement pointed out that the electricity sector was not affected during the 25 January revolution only because the employees in this field are aware of their important national role. It went on to say that a similar protest would be organized on Wednesday.
Translated from the Arabic Edition
