Hundreds hotel workers employed by the Azur Company, which is owned by detained former Tourism Minister Zoheir Garana, staged a strike in Hurghada on Friday after the company ignored their pay increase demands.
The workers blocked the Hurghada Corniche and the touristic walkway, and prevented buses and cars from passing. They staged a sit-in outside Arabia and Bel Air hotels and the Giftun resort.
A number of security and traffic personnel tried to convince the workers to open the road. The workers refused, saying they would not end their sit-in unless the company responds to their demands, which include raising the minimum wage to LE750, increasing their housing allowance, granting them end-of-service gratuity and annual benefits, and taking into account seniority for promotions.
The workers accused the Azur Company of violating labor laws and said that individuals in high-level positions received all the financial benefits.
Dozens of tourists were prepared their own breakfasts after the strike began.
Translated from Al-Masry Al-Youm
