Egypt: Cairo Tour Guides Plan November Strike

By Larry Habegger and Laurie Weed | Permalink |

No Comments | October 23rd, 2012 | Trackback

The Cairo tourist guides’ union has announced a three-day strike that will take place Nov. 15-17. As part of their demands for better working conditions, the union is protesting a government mandate that requires guides to pay for certification training. A spokesperson for the union said that while the guides are not opposed to the training itself, asking them to pay it for creates an unfair financial hardship when they are already suffering from underemployment. Tourism in Cairo has dropped off significantly since the revolution of January 2011. If the strike goes forward as planned, it may affect tours throughout the country. Visitors who have trips scheduled during that time should contact their tour operators for updated information prior to departure.