The Egyptian Federation of Independent Trade Unions together with a number of political forces on Tuesday rejected the Cabinet's decree that as of 1 November, stores must close by 10 pm and cafes and restaurants by midnight.
The federation, along with the Socialist Popular Alliance Party, the Tagammu Party, the Egyptian Social Democratic Party, and some Nasserist parties, demanded community dialogue over the decision before it is applied.
They warned in a joint statement that businesses closing early would increase unemployment and make the streets less safe at night.
The statement stressed the necessity of considering the implications of the decision so that the negative impacts can be addressed if it is implemented.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
