Two of the seven Suez Canal companies have suspended their strike which began more than three weeks ago. The decision came after a military official promised their detained colleagues would be released and their demands would be met soon. 

Galal El-Gedawy, one of the workers and member of the workers’ fund management board, says two workers of each of the seven companies on strikes were arrested and accused of throwing rocks at police officers. However, says El-Gedawy the army confused the workers with other demonstrators who blocked the Islamilia road and clashed with police.

El-Gedawy says the two companies, El-Mawany and El-Temsah, will resume work and give authorities a week to meet the demands as promised.

The five other Suez Canal companies are going on with their strikes. Ali Sharaawy, a spokesperson for the workers of the companies under the Suez Canal Authority, confirmed they are still on strike and their demands remain unchanged. These include a 40 per cent increase in basic salary, 7 per cent bonus payments, an increase in the meal allowances and the resignation of Suez Canal Authority Chairman Ahmed Fadel.