Strikes at Lecico's Egypt factories halts production

Production at ceramics makers' Alexandria operations grinds to a halt as employees resume protests curtailed in February after a reported pay rise

Egyptian ceramics maker Lecico said on Wednesday a workers strike that began on Tuesday had halted operations at its sanitary ware and tile factories at Khorshid in Alexandria.
The Khorshid plants account for 30 per cent of Lecico's sanitary ware production and 74 per cent of its tile production, Lecico said in a statement. The firm said its other factories in Egypt, Lebanon and France were operating normally.
Lecico was among firms hit by labour unrest after the uprising that ousted former president Hosni Mubarak. It negotiated a "significant" pay rise for workers in February, it said at the time.
Lecico, which has significant sales in Britain and other European markets, said a new tiles plant it is building near Alexandria should bring its tile production in August back to previous levels.
Lecico said protests at its factories have been non-violent and staff and facilities remain safe.
Lecico's shares dropped 1.44 per cent by close of trade Wednesday.