A group of labor leaders on Friday met to establish the "Coalition of the 25 January Revolution Workers" and to reassert the revolutionary principles of change, freedom and social justice.
In a statement, the coalition affirmed workers’ absolute right to restore their rights, to strike and peacefully protest, and to fight corruption in their management teams and labor unions.
The statement said the workers' protests over the past years paved the way for the 25 January revolution and could guarantee its victory.
It urged the formation of a civil presidential panel to lead during the interim period, and the replacement of Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq's government with a new cabinet comprising national figures known for their independence and competence.
The statement also called for the abolition of Emergency Law, the immediate release of all political prisoners, the abolition of the State Security body and the trial of all officials guilty of repression and torture. It said corrupt officials should be brought to justice and the country's wealth restored to bolster social justice and implement the workers' demands.
The statement called for the implementation of judicial rulings, most importantly those concerning the minimum wage, the dissolution of existing labor unions and the restoration of dismissed workers. The statement also said international agreements governing the social, economic rights and liberties of workers should be respected.
The coalition includes Khaled Ali, head of the Egyptian Center for Social and Economic Rights, Saber Barakat, and other key labor leaders.
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
