President opens Phase II of Suez Steel Company, ratifies new Labour Law and commands government to extend social protection to irregular workers
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi participated on Saturday in the Labour Day celebration at the Suez Steel Company in Suez City.
The celebration included the screening of a documentary film about the nation’s workers, another documentary about Suez Steel Company, and speeches by a host of officials, including Minister of Transport and Industrial Development, Lt. Gen. Kamel al-Wazir.
President Sisi then watched a presentation about a number of successful new factories via the video- conferencing technology.
He also awarded medals to honourees from various labour sectors, before he opened Phase II of the Suez Steel Company.
President Sisi, meanwhile, congratulated the nation’s workers on the occasion of Labour Day.
He paid tribute to what he described as the nation’s “loyal workers” for their efforts, being a pillar of Egypt’s march towards construction and progress.
“Our celebration of this day is not just an annual tradition, but a clear message that embodies the state’s deep appreciation of the value of labour and its firm belief in the role of workers in building development and promoting industrial renaissance,” President Sisi said.
“To add to this meaning, I have made sure that our Labour Day celebration this year will be held in one of the new industrial buildings,” he added.
He noted that Suez is witnessing an active development movement and the opening of a large number of new projects.
These projects, he said, reflect an honourable image of success, struggle and will.
“Every factory that opens, and every production facility that is established in Egypt is a living witness to the great achievements of the people of this homeland, built with their strong arms, and firm determination,” the Egyptian leader said.
The president noted that he had ratified the new Labour Law, describing it as a “qualitative leap” in advancing labour rights.
The new law, he said, guarantees clear gains for workers, consolidates the concepts of labour protection and fairness, emphasizes the rights due to working women, enhances job security guarantees for workers, and complies with international labour charters and conventions.
“This constitutes a fundamental step towards establishing a stable and balanced working environment that meets the aspirations of the New Republic,” President Sisi said.
He added that he had directed the government to complete a bill on domestic workers, and initiate society dialogue about it.
The president said he also asked the government to expand social protection to irregular workers, especially in case of workers’ death.
“I also commanded the government to implement an initiative to develop the skills of young people, through free grants, to qualify them to the actual needs of the labour market,” President Sisi said.
He added that he also asked the government to form a permanent committee to follow up on the implementation of the National Employment Strategy, immediately after its launch.
“Our celebration of Labour Day today is the clearest evidence of the status of Egypt’s workers, their vital role in the production process, and that they are an essential partner in achieving our aspired renaissance,” President Sisi said.
“Let’s write together the story of a homeland that clings to its dream of progress and prosperity, despite the complex international and regional environment,” he added.
