Suez Canal Company workers from the cities of Suez, Port Said, and Ismailia began an open-ended sit in today. Disruptions to shipping movements, as well as disasterous econmic losses, are expected if the strike continues. Over 6000 protesters have agreed that they will not go home today once their shift is over and will continue their sit-in in front of the company's headquarters until their demands are met. They are protesting against poor wages and deteriorating health and working conditions.
I do not know of their (striker's) situation, but can easily imagine the state of affairs they are protesting. Some insight comes from Saudi and the employment of Egyptians there. Like all expatriates, their pay is in accord with that of their home country. It stinks. Never had a discussion about health care, but likely this sucks too.
This action ought to bring about some swift action or pressure by Europe and the US. Disruption of this shipping lane is what many feared. Time to sit back and see what happens.
Big impact on the oil to the Med countries. Millions of barrel of oil go through the gulf. There is also alot of smaller ships that transport oil from the Red Sea entrance to the Med to load back onto the larger oil tankers. The US Military uses it also. Shortest route to the gulf.
