Union Rights Triumph: Egyptian Center Overturns Arbitrary Suspension of Transport Workers’ Union Leader

The Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights has successfully obtained a pivotal court decision from the North Cairo Primary Court, overturning a suspension issued by the Cairo Land Transport Workers’ Union Committee against union leader Mahmoud Abdel Hamid.

This case began when Abdel Hamid, a board member of the Cairo Land Transport Workers’ Union for the 2022-2026 term, was barred from participating in board meetings without explanation or due justification.

In response, Abdel Hamid sought clarification by filing a report at Al-Waili Police Station, hoping to understand the reasons behind his exclusion and any potential accusations so he could defend himself. The union committee ignored his request, prompting him to obtain an official copy of the report. This revealed a suspension order dated April 8, 2023, citing Articles 45 and 46 of Labor Unions Law No. 213 of 2017, though it lacked specific reasons for the suspension.

After the union committee neglected to observe required legal procedures, Abdel Hamid enlisted support from the Egyptian Center to challenge the decision. Attorneys from the Center brought case no. 5190/2023 before the North Cairo Primary Court’s Circuit, arguing the decision was unlawful and should be voided.

Under current law, suspending a union board member requires a two-thirds majority approval from board members, a review of any alleged misconduct by the member, and resolution within 60 days of the notification. Additionally, any suspension must be presented at the union’s next general assembly meeting for a vote on whether to uphold or repeal it.

Since the Cairo Land Transport Workers’ Union Committee ignored these legal procedures, the Egyptian Center pursued legal recourse, leading to a court decision annulling Abdel Hamid’s suspension.

On October 26, 2024, the North Cairo Primary Court (Division 28) issued a ruling in Abdel Hamid’s favor, marking a substantial victory that affirms union members’ rights and requires unions to comply with legal processes for suspension decisions.

This outcome is a critical advance in supporting transparency and accountability within labor unions and highlights the Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights’ ongoing commitment to defending union leaders and their rights against arbitrary decisions.