Workers from 5 service companies owned by Suez Canal Authority in the cities of Suez , Port-Said and Ismailia began an open-ended sit in today.

Over 6000 protesters have agreed that they will not go home today once their shift is over and will continue their sit-in in front of the company's headquarters until their demands are met. They are protesting against poor wages and deteriorating health and working conditions and demanded that their salaries and benefits meet the standard of those working for the Suez Canal Authority.

A senior official from the Suez Canal Authority told Ahram online that the Suez Canal didn't witness any disruptions today, and that disruptions are not expected in the days to come.

"The strike will not affect the operation of the Suez Canal and movement of ships. These companies work in areas far from the canal zone and movement of ships,"  a senior official told Reuters.

46 ships crossed the Canal today.