Prime Minister: no return to privatization; defends civil service law

Prime Minister Sherif Ismail asserted on Wednesday the pivotal and national role played by workers to push forward the cycle of production and development in all fields.

"Egypt will not achieve progress without its honest workers," the premier told a meeting with board members of the Egyptian Trade Union Federation.

The heads of the general trade union along with Manpower Minister Mohamed Saafan were present.

Ismail said the government has no privatization plans.

"No return to privatization ..our trend is to restructure and develop public sector companies and factories," he said.

The government gives priority to improving the performance of the public sector.

The premier asserted that the civil service law would not reduce the current privileges offered to public servants.

"It supports distinguished ones to make use of those who are competent," he said.

His meeting with top unionists tackled economic and security challenges, said Cabinet spokesman Hossam Qawish.

Egypt is stable and is able to overcome all challenges, Ismail asserted, urging collaboration at this critical stage.

He said that a draft law on trade unions was referred to the Cabinet for revision and discussion.

Source: MENA