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After Strike Case Dismissal, Egyptian Center Calls for Immediate Reinstatement of Union Leader at Samanoud Weaving Company

The Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights strongly condemns the ongoing intransigence of the management at Samanoud Weaving and Textile Company towards union leader Hisham Al-Banna, the former head of the company’s trade union committee. This follows the decision by the Samanoud District Prosecution to dismiss Case No. 588 of 2024, which had been filed against Al-Banna and several of the company’s workers. The case arose from a strike organized to demand the implementation of the minimum wage. Despite the release of the workers and their reinstatement, the company continues to single out Al-Banna, refusing to allow him to return to work in what appears to be an unjustified act of escalation.

The Egyptian Center notes that the prosecution’s decision to dismiss the case is conclusive proof of the fabrication of charges against Al-Banna and his colleagues by the company’s management. The Center calls for Al-Banna’s immediate reinstatement without exception, stressing that his exclusion from work constitutes a clear violation of his labor and union rights and highlights the company’s intent to silence dissent and intimidate employees.

The Labor Court in Tanta is scheduled to hear the case concerning Al-Banna’s suspension in a session on October 16, following the postponement of the previous hearing on September 25. Despite this upcoming court date, the company continues to refuse to reinstate him.

It is worth noting that the workers’ strike at Samanoud Weaving and Textile Company began on August 17, 2024, to demand the enforcement of the minimum wage. By the end of September, the workers had achieved some of their demands, including increased incentives and the payment of August wages. Nonetheless, the company initiated legal proceedings against several workers, including Al-Banna, accusing them of disrupting production, damaging the national economy, and inciting the strike. However, the prosecution has now dismissed these charges.

The Egyptian Center asserts that these actions expose the company’s clear intent to suppress fundamental workers’ rights. It emphasizes that the charges against the workers were fabricated, based on complaints from management aimed at intimidating workers and restricting their freedom to express legitimate demands.

The Center renews its demand for the immediate reinstatement of Hisham Al-Banna and calls for an end to all arbitrary actions targeting workers and union leaders. It underscores the importance of protecting workers’ rights to express their demands without fear of threats or repression.

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