The PSI confirmed the affiliation of
the independent Egyptian RETA Union
Today, In Nyon, Switzerland, within its meeting for the year 2009 which extended from 22 to 24 April, the Executive Board of the Public Service International, PSI, approved of the affiliation of the independent Real Estate Tax Authority Union in Egypt [RETA].
Earlier, the independent RETA Union had submitted the request for admission to membership of the Public Service International, PSI on 29th December, 2008. RETA affiliation has been confirmed-last March-by the African and Arab Regional Committees.
It is worth mentioning that the Egyptian workers in Real Estate Tax Authority have could recently-on Tuesday, 21st April- given their Union's constitutional forms and documents to the competent administration in the Manpower Ministry, passing through-for the first time since more than a half of century- the solid enclosure that the trade union organization has been banded with it, preventing workers from its practicing freely or independently in Egypt.
For the first time in Egypt-since more than a half of century- there are Egyptian workers have resolved to establish their union in accordance with their own will, to be their genuine voice reflecting their interests, representing their independent movement and calling for their rights. For the first time in Egypt, there are Egyptian workers can challenge all legislative restrictions imposed on their right to freedom of association, and draw up their union's constitution, rules, structures, policies and strategies in keeping with their concerns and priorities.
Through a twenty months-course, RETA workers have gone on developing their movement, from calling for equality, to establish their independent union. From their good organized full-strike in December 2007, to their final action -on Tuesday, 21st April- to adopt measures of their union establishment. Through twenty months-course, the RETA workers has perfected their own experience that has been full of life and ending in achieving excellent results.
The CTUWS welcomes the independent RETA union which is deeply argumentative of the Egyptian labour movement spirit, congratulates the RETA and all of the Egyptian workers, whose dream has been symbolized and represented in a realistic form, announcing the end of a long bitter period that witnessed arbitrary violations against their right to freedom of association.
The CTUWS expresses its deep appreciation and gratitude to all the defenders of democracy and of the right to freedom of association in Egypt and abroad, and to the international labour movements and trade union movements which support the RETA workers and their trade union right-especially-the International Trade Unions Confederation [ITUC], and the Public Services International [PSI].
The CTUWS while hoping that the independent RETA union can be able to develop its positive and valuable experience deprived of pressures and intimidation, it calls upon you to support their legitimate movement to pick-up their independent union.
On behalf of those who look forward to their freedom, we call for the immediate enforcement of the international labour standards in Egypt, and the removal of all legislative restrictions imposed on the right to freedom of association.
The Center for Trade Union and Workers Services
Friday, 24th April, 2009
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