Trade Unions Are Key to a Successful Transition in Egypt Growing
Labor Movement Needs International Support SOURCE: AP/Charles
Dharapak After decades of political repression, the revolution
in Egypt has made way for democratic reform. Yet this dramatic
and unanticipated turn of events raises concerns that Egypt
could get mired in lasting instability and conflict. Fostering
democratic reform, promoting stability, and preventing conflict
will require efforts on many fronts. But one essential task is
reinforcing the country’s burgeoning trade union movement. Trade
unions are essential social institutions that serve multiple
functions. They help broker the relationship between employers
and employees, but they also mobilize workers to foster
political participation as well as ensure that government
policies are responsive to the needs of workers. Strong trade
unions are essential for “just jobs,” or jobs complete with
labor rights including the right to organize and collective
bargaining, appropriate remuneration