Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Labor Strikes Hit Egypt as Military Calls Public Holiday

   Lauren Frayer | Cairo  February 14, 2011
   Police march through downtown Cairo, demanding better pay and respect,
   14 February 2011

Photo: M. Kornely, VOA

   Police march through downtown Cairo, demanding better pay and respect,
   14 February 2011

   Egypt's  military  is  calling  for  an  end  to  labor strikes and is
   implementing  a public holiday Monday, to allow Egyptians more time to
   ease into normal life after President Hosni Mubarakās ouster.

   In  the  new  Egypt, it seems as though everyone is clamoring for more
   rights.  Police  marched  through  downtown Cairo on Monday, demanding
   better  pay  and respect. Ambulance drivers, state media and transport
   workers are also on strike.
   Egyptās  new  military rulers declared Monday a public holiday, giving
   citizens time to get back to normal.
   āItās  a  lovely  day,  people have hopeā¦ yeah itās lovely actually,ā
   said Ronda Georgie, a flight attendant.
   But  Egyptās  military  also  called for an end to labor strikes. Many
   worry  such demonstrators could further damage the economy. Others say
   this is democracy now.
   āPeople  are  marching  in  the  streets  asking  for  moreā¦ which is
   beautiful to see actually,ā Georgie said.
   Egyptian police, who largely vanished during anti-government protests,
   have  reappeared  to direct traffic. Congestion has returned to Tahrir
   Square,  where  an 18-day demonstration led to President Hosni Mubarak
   stepping down.
   But military vehicles still line its streets.
   Mourners  gather  in one corner of the square, at a makeshift memorial
   for  some  of  the estimated 300 people killed in the 18-day standoff.
   Discussions are already under way for a permanent memorial here.

   Ā
   NEW: Follow our Middle East reports on [1]Twitter
   and discuss them on our [2]Facebook page.

References

   1. http://twitter.com/VOAMidEast
   2. http://www.facebook.com/pages/VOAMiddleEastVoices/124360240958667?    v=wall

.