The factory as Egypt in miniature: ‘Out on the street’ by Philip Rizk and Jasmina Metwaly

A discussion and film showing of ‘Out on the Street’ by Philip Rizk and Jasmina Metwaly hosted by Middle East Solidarity magazine

Strikes, sit-ins and protests by workers resisting privatisation, corruption and police brutality played a key role in preparing the ground for the Egyptian revolution of 2011, while mass walkouts during the uprising itself hastened the end of Mubarak’s rule. The brutal crackdown on dissent since the military counter-revolution of 2013 hasn’t entirely stopped workers’ protests: despite the repression, factory workers and civil servants continue to organise collectively to demand social justice. Ceramics workers, shipyard workers, teachers and bus drivers are among those who have organised strikes and protests for higher pay and better conditions at work in recent months. Meanwhile, the military regime’s commitment to meeting the demands of international lenders such…