Egyptian workers anxiously await the appointment of a new minister as news reports predict that former Minister of Manpower Aisha Abdel Hadi, a member of the National Democratic Party (NDP), is soon to be replaced. Trade unions have been divided in their response. And while the Egyptian Trade Union Federation (ETUF), loyal to former President Hosni Mubarak, opposes a ministerial change, other independent unions also oppose the appointment of figures who belong to the ousted regime. Over the past two days, workers from both camps staged protests after two names were touted as potential nominees for the position. Top leaders from the ETUF protested at their headquarters to reject the possible appointment of Ahmed al-Boraie, who is known for his support for independent unions. Labor sources said ETUF leaders fear that the appointment of al-Boraie will result in their being brought to trial over financial violations they have committed. Independent trade union members, meanwhile, have threatened to stage an open-ended protest in front of the Manpower Ministry if Hussein Megawer, the current president of the ETUF, is appointed as Manpower Minister. Mubarak's regime used the ETUF as a tool to serve its ends and the NDP were usually the winners in trade union elections. The ETUF is known for playing a crucial role in guaranteeing a victory for Mubarak and the NDP in elections.
