To all ITF affiliates

Call for solidarity with dockers in Egypt

Workers in Egypt are in dispute with DP World Sokhna over the company’s unwillingness to implement an agreement reached in October 2011.

We have been informed that 1,200 dockers, represented by the Independent Union of Sokhna Port Workers who began their three-day sit-in protest on 9 February, will commence indefinite strike action tomorrow 11 February.

Bilal Malkawi, ITF ArabWorld office, commented: “The situation in the port has now escalated – the union had no option but to take industrial action after discussions ended without any positive results. The ITF is standing firmly behind the union and is calling on affiliates to do the same.”

At the same time calls for civil disobedience and a general strike on 11 February are gaining momentum across Egypt; we understand the reaction of the Egyptian government may be unpredictable. The ITF is calling on all affiliated unions to send a strong message to the company and the workers.

Send your messages of protest to Captain Rustom Dastoor, CEO, DP World Sokhnahere >>

Send a message of solidarity to the workers here >>

Yours fraternally

David Cockroft

ITF General Secretary