Posted: Wednesday, 9 February 2011

CLC President Ken Georgetti has delivered a letter to Egypt’s ambassador to Canada. Georgetti is calling on Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to engage that country's popular movement in negotiations toward a peaceful transfer of power to an elected leadership.

February 7, 2011

His Excellency Wael Ahmed Kamal Aboul Magd
Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt

Dear Ambassador Aboul-Magd:

The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) requests that you convey to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak our deep concern about the current political crisis in Egypt.

We strongly urge him to immediately stop the dramatically escalating violence being organised by his regime against peaceful demonstrators, including children, who are continuing to demand fundamental democratic change. Those found to be involved in the murder and persecution of Egyptians should be immediately arrested and prosecuted.

The CLC also condemns the instruction given by the regime, to employees of the government and state enterprises, to join the violence against those seeking change, as well as the dismissal of employees who have joined the peaceful protest movement.

We call on the Mubarak government to listen to the wishes of Egyptians and immediately engage the leadership of the popular movement and negotiate a peaceful transfer of power to an elected leadership.

As part of long term plans to transition to a transparent and accountable democracy, the CLC supports the enactment of a new Constitution. The participation of free trade unions and civil society in shaping provisions in the new Constitution will be critical to the integrity of the process.

In view of the current tense and fluid political conditions in the country, I want to convey our appreciation for the professionalism, patriotism and neutrality being displayed to date by the Egyptian Army. They will be an important pillar of political and social stability if they continue to play the same role.

Please note that Tuesday, February 8, the CLC will join a global solidarity campaign being coordinated by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in solidarity with workers and the people of Egypt.

I would like at some point to meet with you to discuss ways the CLC and our international labour colleagues can assist in supporting union participation in the Egyptian political transition process.

Thank you in advance for conveying our message to President Mubarak and the political leadership of your country.

Sincerely,

Kenneth V. Georgetti
President