Labour demand wage rises in joint Cairo protests

Egyptian labour groups demanded a big rise in the minimum wage on Saturday to cope with rising prices, and some analysts said they could emerge as an influential force in national elections this year and next.
Hundreds of factory workers and office workers protested outside the offices where the Egyptian cabinet meets, to press demands for a national minimum wage of 1,200 Egyptian pounds ($217.9). It has been 35 pounds since 1984.
Last week Egypt's Administrative Court ruled the government must set a minimum wage that takes soaring prices into account, but did not set a figure. Protesters say the government seldom applies the court's rulings.
Inflation in Egypt was 12.8 percent in February, down from a peak of 23.6 percent in August 2008 caused by surging world commodity prices.
The government has previously handled isolated strikes swiftly, largely with concessions. But co-ordinated action could prove more problematic.
"This is the most diverse labour coalition to date, rallying white collar and blue collar workers for a national demand," Hossam Hamalawy, labour activist and blogger, told Reuters. The government's initial response to protests which turned violent was to meet them with heavy security, then promises of higher wages.