ABSTRACT
This chapter will review several worker protests and strikes in differing economic sectors. These protests were greatly influenced by the actions of the two case studies in this research endeavor: garment and textile workers in El-Mahalla el-Kubra starting in 2006 and by the RETA workers in 2008. The workers in those two sectors (garment and textile industry and civil servants) led the way and opened the path for the further development and deepening of the workers’ social movement. This social movement was calling initially for socio-economic improvements, yet in essence demanding political reforms. The development of this social movement became the engine motivating the discontent that challenged and brought down the ruling Mubarak regime. The workers’ social movement continues throughout this research endeavor to be a motivating force for reform, yet with incomplete results and a still developing story. Before delving into the review of the several worker protests, this chapter will review some introductory concepts such as the quest for democratization through social movements, what transforms a group into a social movement, and the key concept of solidarity, especially for workers, leadership, and social movements.
