Abdel Rahman Kheir, workers' representative at the National Council for Wages, said on Thursday that President Hosni Mubarak would intervene to "resolve the controversy" over the national minimum wage.
Last week, the council officially raised Egypt's national monthly minimum wage to LE400. Labor leaders, however, say this is still to little in light of soaring costs of living.
“We have instructions to remain calm until a government-appointed committee presents its final report on the matter to the president,” Kheir said.
He went on to point out that the Egyptian Trade Union Federation (ETUF) planned to convene next week to review the issue in light of rapidly increasing consumer prices.
Labor leaders are demanding LE500 a month for inexperienced workers, LE750 a month for workers of intermediate experience, and LE1000 a month for highly experienced workers.
“I suspect that the ETUF will ask for more than this, given skyrocketing inflation,” said Kheir.
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
