Strikes replace protests in Egypt

EGYPT’S military rulers have called for an end to strikes and protests as thousands of state employees, from ambulance drivers to police and transport workers, demonstrated to demand better pay in a growing wave of labour unrest unleashed by the democracy uprising that ousted Hosni Mubarak’s regime.

The statement by the ruling military council that took power from Mubarak appeared to be a final warning to protest organisers in labour and professional unions before the army intervenes and imposes an outright ban on gatherings, strikes and sit-ins.

Soldiers cleared out almost all the remaining demonstrators from Cairo’s Tahrir Square, the giant traffic circle that was turned into a protest camp headquarters for the 18-day revolt. At the height of the uprising, hundreds of thousands packed the downtown crossroads.

All the tents were gone, as were other signs of permanent camps. By early afternoon, a few dozen stalwarts remained, standing in one corner of the square and yelling for the release of political prisoners.

The remaining protesters say they won’t leave until all those detained during the revolt are released.

Egypt’s ambassador to the United States, Sameh Shoukry, said Mubarak, 82, was “possibly in somewhat of bad health,” providing the first word about him since being ousted Friday.

Speaking on NBC’s Today show, the envoy said he had received information about Mubarak but could not be more specific. Two Cairo newspapers said Mubarak was refusing to take medication, depressed and repeatedly passing out at his residence in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. There was no immediate confirmation of the reports.

The latest communique by the ruling military council was read on state television by a military spokesman. It said Egypt needed a quieter climate so the military can run the nation’s affairs at this “critical stage” and eventually hand over the reins of power to an elected and civilian administration.

The statement also warned strikes and protests hurt the country’s security and economy and gave a chance to what it called “irresponsible parties” to commit “illegal acts.” It did not elaborate.

Amid the efforts to build a new system, Egypt’s upheaval has splintered into a host of smaller grievances, the inevitable outcome of emboldened citizens feeling free to speak up, most of them for the first time.

Outside the TV and state radio building, hundreds of public transportation workers demonstrated to demand better pay. Several hundred protesters from the state Youth and Sports Organisation also protested with similar demands in Tahrir after the military had moved the long-term protesters out.

Across the Nile River in Giza, hundreds of ambulance drivers demonstrated, also to demand better pay and permanent jobs.

In downtown Cairo, hundreds of police demonstrated for a second day for better pay. They also want to clear their reputation, further tarnished by the deadly clashes between protesters and security forces. Some carried portraits of policemen killed in the clashes.

“These are victims of the regime too,” declared one placard. “It’s hard for us to go back to work because people hate us,” said one protester, a captain. “An official funeral must be held for our martyrs.”

Several hundred unemployed archaeology graduates demonstrated outside the Supreme Council for Antiquities in the upscale district of Zamalek, demanding jobs.

Reflecting the continuing downturn in travel from Egypt, EgyptAir said it had organised only 31 international flights and 12 domestic flights for Monday. The carrier generally has about 145 scheduled flights per day.

The Central Bank of Egypt ordered banks across the country closed following a strike by employees of the National Bank, the largest state bank, and several other financial institutions.

The ruling military council that took over power from Mubarak on Friday has said that security and a return to normal are among its top priorities.

It has urged Egyptians to return to work to save the economy after the 18 days of protests sent hundreds of thousands of foreign tourists fleeing in hurried evacuation flights — a major blow to the country’s biggest economic sector.

Another mass demonstration is planned for Friday to celebrate Mubarak’s departure and also to honour those who died during the uprising.