This strike is the latest instance of labour unrest at the privately-run port which sits on western shore of the Gulf of Suez. Workers downed tools in both September and May 2011 to push their demands for more just wage structures.

 

"We will start an open strike at 4pm and keep it going until our demands are met," Ali Selim, vice president of the port's workers syndicate told Ahram Online. "They [the port's administration] have made many promises but have failed to keep them."

 

Workers are to demand they receive hardship allowances equivalent to at least 30 per cent of their full wages as well as a stake in the company's profits for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010.

 

Employees accuse Egypt's minister of Manpower and Immigration Fathy Fekry of breaking a promise he made to resolve the issue of worker allowances by 9 February. 

 

Sokhna Port's strike is unrelated to the general strike called at the weekend by some political groups to protest against Egypt's ruling military.

 

Ahram Online will continue to provide updates of the situation in the Ain Sokhna over the course of the day