The Salafi Nour Party called on President Mohamed Morsy not to meet any labor demands until the country’s economy stabilizes.
The party, in a Tuesday statement, called for an evaluation of fair compensation by comparing salaries for similar job levels at private companies and state institutions. Official spokesperson Youssri Hammad claimed that a number of state officials who stage frequent strikes earn more than university professors, and that police officers who have received several salary raises have not established security or order on the streets.
Several labor protests for better pay and working conditions have erupted this week.
Morsy earlier ordered the establishment of an ombudsman to handle complaints after many brought their grievances to protests outside the Presidential Palace.
The Nour Party’s statement is in line with Salafi discourse which generally expresses reservations on protests. Salafis also preach obedience to rulers, which largely explains why they did not participate in the first few days of the 25 January revolution.
Gamal al-Banna, an Islamic thinker, told Egypt Independent last year that Salafis were initially opposed to the 25 January revolution, but seeing that it has succeeded, they are trying to reap benefits for the group.
