Brussels, 2 April 2008 (ITUC OnLine): The ITUC has welcomed a decision taken by Egypt's Administrative Court on 30 March to overturn the government's refusal to allow the Centre for Trade Union and Workers'
Services (CTUWS) to operate. The Centre had been subjected to a series of administrative obstacles, culminating in its closure by security forces in 2007. Efforts by the CTUWS to convince the authorities to allow it to be registered under the country's law on non-governmental organisations had been thwarted by the Egyptian security services.

The government's actions against the Centre came against the background of rising discontent amongst Egypt's workforce, with a series of protests and strikes over wages, working conditions and workers' rights.

"This is an important decision by the Administrative Court, and we urge the Egyptian government to ensure that the CTUWS is allowed to carry out its legitimate activities without such interference from now on, and to ensure that internationally-recognised fundamental labour standards be fully respected in law and in practice for all Egyptians," said ITUC General Secretary Guy Ryder.

The ITUC represents 168 million workers in 155 countries and territories and has 311 national affiliates.
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