El-Sisi promises rights and reforms as workers drive national projects

Ahram Online , Saturday 3 May 2025

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi marked Labour Day on Saturday with a speech celebrating Egyptian workers as central to the country’s economic development, describing them as "key partners" in Egypt’s drive to localize industry, expand job creation, and strengthen technical skills.

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi marks Labour Day at the Suez Steel Company. Photo: Egyptian presidenc
President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi marks Labour Day at the Suez Steel Company. Photo: Egyptian presidency

 

The president delivered his remarks from the Suez Steel Company, an industrial site in the city of Suez chosen, according to the presidency, to spotlight ongoing development projects in the area.

“Our celebration today is not just an annual tradition,” El-Sisi said, “but a clear message reflecting the state’s deep appreciation for the value of work and the role of workers in driving industrial growth.”

The president linked the success of new factories and production facilities to what he called the “strong arms” and “unwavering determination” of Egyptian workers.

Their efforts, he noted, are helping to build industrial hubs, new cities, and critical infrastructure — steps he framed as essential to broader economic transformation and job opportunities for Egypt’s youth.

In his address, El-Sisi also announced the signing of a new labour law, describing it as “a qualitative leap in the journey of workers’ rights.”

According to the presidency, the law strengthens job protections, supports women’s rights, and brings Egypt closer to international labour standards.

The president outlined further directives aimed at embedding labour protections into the broader New Republic framework:

  • Completing legislation to regulate domestic work.

  • Expanding social protection for informal workers, including death grants.

  • Launching a youth skills initiative offering free vocational training.

  • Accelerating the resolution of labour disputes.

  • Establishing a permanent committee to oversee the forthcoming National Employment Strategy.

El-Sisi also emphasized efforts to modernize Egypt’s workforce through the expansion of technical schools and technological universities, as well as international labour agreements aimed at securing jobs for Egyptian workers abroad.

The ceremony featured speeches from senior officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Kamel El-Wazir and Labour Minister Mohamed Gobran, as well as a documentary spotlighting the Suez Steel Company and the role of Egyptian workers in recent national projects.

Short link: