Egyptian unions continue the fight for lasting political change

In today’s Guardian Seumas Milne gives a superb analysis of the political situation in Egypt in the wake of Mubarak’s removal as President:

‘Industrial action played a central role in the final push to drive Mubarak from power last week – just as it did in sparking resistance to the regime a couple of years ago in the textile production centre of Mahalla.

'But now walkouts and occupations have mushroomed across Egypt, in defiance of the army high command's edict to return to work: on the buses and trains, in the steel and flour mills, among oil and gas workers, post office and bank employees.

'The strikers are also demanding the removal of bosses tied to the regime, along with officials in the unions, universities and professional bodies corrupted by the old order. That's because only the ageing autocrat has gone. The regime itself to all intents and purposes remains in place.

'The army has taken control but the government appointed by Mubarak is still there. So is the secret police – and the panoply of emergency legislation through which it held 80 million people in thrall for 30 years.’
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/feb/17/pressure-from-below-bring-egypt-democracy