The National Wage Council (NWC) decided on Monday to employ foreign and Egyptian experts to study the minimum wage issue and implement a plan.

Egyptian Trade Union Federation Chairman Abdel Fatah Ibrahim expressed his discontent with the government’s decision to set the minimum income at EGP 1200: “The union rejects the government’s decision of setting a minimum income at EGP 1,200 without setting a maximum income ceiling.”

Ibrahim said: “The minimum income decision, which was approved by the government, is unjust because it would apply only to government workers and public sector workers; who amount to 6 million, while there are 20 million workers within the private sector and informal employees who are not subject to the minimum income.”

“This limit does not achieve the hopes and aspirations of workers,” he added.

Minister of Planning Dr Ashraf El-Araby stressed on “the government’s willingness to listen to all parties,” and called on reaching effective solutions during the meeting.

“The system of wages in Egypt needs urgent reform and labour legislation urgently needs adjustments” Araby added.

According to state-run news agency MENA, Chairman of the Federation of Industries Engineer Mohammed Al-Suwaidi said that a study is currently being conducted on the minimum income and its results will be displayed… the study focuses on the implementation of the minimum income in the private sector.