Employees at the BBC office in Cairo initiated a strike on Wednesday over the broadcaster’s decision to pay staff in local currency, which has greatly depreciated over the past year. After more than a year of negotiations, the majority of the nearly 90 staff members in Egypt informed the BBC that they would strike for the day. Although the company stated that only employees planning to work would be allowed in the office, many defied this and showed up anyway, turning the strike into a sit-down protest. It is important to note that this strike was not organized by a union.
Egypt is currently experiencing a significant currency and economic crisis. The aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year greatly affected Egypt, a country heavily reliant on wheat imports from Russia and Ukraine. As global food prices soared, Egypt struggled to pay for imported goods. Inflation in Egypt last month reached nearly 33 percent compared to the previous year. In an effort to address this crisis, the International Monetary Fund approved a $3 billion financial support package to be spread out over four years, promising a shift to a flexible exchange rate regime.
Since the invasion, the Egyptian government has devalued its currency three times, but each devaluation has failed to stabilize the pound’s value on the black market. In March 2022, the pound was valued at 15.66 pounds to the dollar. Currently, its official value has halved at 30.84 pounds to the dollar. This devaluation has led to sporadic strikes in Egypt, including a recent protest by thousands of workers at a German cable manufacturer who were dissatisfied with a wage increase that was lower than the previous year.
BBC staff in Cairo first raised the issue of payment in dollars last March. They later suggested a salary pegged to the dollar. Management responded with a 5 percent salary increase, followed by a series of raises. The most recent proposal amounted to 27 percent, including an 8 percent increase from the previous year. The BBC stated that these raises were a response to inflation and expressed disappointment with the ongoing strike. The employees, particularly those working for the BBC’s Arabic service, have experienced a significant decrease in their monthly income. Their salaries, which were around $1,200 a month last year, have now dropped to approximately $500.
The employees argue that this is a form of discrimination and that the BBC is taking advantage of the press suppression in Egypt, making it difficult for them to find alternative employment. They believe that the proposed raises do not sufficiently compensate for their losses, especially since the country is expected to devalue the currency again at the end of August. Another concern raised by the employees is the devaluation’s impact on their quality of life, making it challenging for them to afford basic expenses.
This is not the first time the BBC has faced such issues. Last year, its Istanbul bureau went on strike due to a pay raise offer that did not keep up with rising inflation levels in Turkey. The strike ended after new financial terms were agreed upon. In the Cairo office, most of the staff members chose to stay at home or participate in the sit-down strike, entering the office but refusing to use their company devices. Quitting their jobs and finding employment at another media organization is not a viable option for the majority of the Egyptian staff, as their salaries barely cover their living expenses.
The relationship between the BBC and Egyptian authorities is strained, and there is a belief that any journalist who has worked with the BBC will face difficulty finding employment. Egypt has been criticized for its suppression of journalism, with media watchdog, Reporters Without Borders, stating that pluralism is almost nonexistent and that independent media is censored and targeted by state prosecutors. The concern over official inflation numbers and their accuracy is another long-standing issue in Egypt. The cost of essential items has significantly increased, putting a strain on the population. In fact, the government suggested that Egyptians start cooking chicken feet, which are usually considered scraps for animals, as a protein-rich alternative.
In conclusion, employees at the BBC office in Cairo took part in a strike to protest the broadcaster’s decision to pay them in local currency. This strike was a response to Egypt’s currency and economic crises, as well as the employees’ dissatisfaction with the proposed salary increases. The staff members believe that these raises do not adequately compensate for the loss in value of the local currency. Additionally, they feel trapped in their current jobs due to the limited opportunities within the Egyptian media industry. The strained relationship between the BBC and Egyptian authorities further complicates the situation. Ultimately, the employees are seeking a resolution that addresses their concerns and improves their working conditions.
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