Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi announced on Monday the establishment an emergency support fund for irregular workers.
The president made the announcement during a speech at the Sharqiya Sugar Company on Labor Day.
Under the decision, the fund will disperse EGP 1,000 (about $32) to irregular workers who are not covered by other social protection programs. The number of irregular workers in the labor market is estimated at 11.8 million, according to official figures.
Irregular workers will be issued updated Aman life insurance certificates that will also cover work injuries, the president announced.
Any outstanding benefits from social protection programs due to irregular workers will be transferred to the fund and will go towards emergencies.
The final version of the draft legislation must preserve workers’ rights as well as a guarantee an investment-friendly environment, the Egyptian president asserted.
The president also announced the launch of a national campaign to encourage youth to launch their small and medium projects.
The president directed all business establishments to adhere to international labor standards, stressing all relevant parties must ensure that domestic labor legislation does not contradict international labor conventions ratified by Egypt.
Additionally, El-Sisi urged all relevant ministries and authorities to promptly complete the national plan for achieving gender quality in the workforce, originally launched in 2022.
He stressed on the need to integrate women in the labor market, through the provision of a safe work environment and ensuring work-life balance, he added.
The president further directed the public and private sector to follow the legally enshrined requirement of having an at least five percent employment rate of differently abled people in their work force.
The president instructed all relevant ministries and authorities to continue to develop human resource skills to match future labor requirements.
During the event, which was attended by top state and trade union officials, El-Sisi honored a number of distinguished workers on the occasion of the international workers’ holiday.
The president's decision today to establish an emergency fund for irregular workers is the latest in a series of steps taken recently by the government to help low and limited income citizens deal with inflationary pressures amid a global economic crisis.
Source: Al-Ahram Online
