CENTER FOR TRADE UNION & WORKERS SERVICES

( CTUWS )
Honored the French Republic’s Human Rights Prize

Press Release
CTUWS and RETA Union Awarded the 2009 George Meany-Lane Kirkland
Human Rights Award

Egypt, CTUWS, on 5 March 2010: The Executive council of the American Federation of
Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) have decided to award the Center
for Trade Union and Workers Services “CTUWS” and Independent General Union of Real
Estate Tax Authority Workers “RETA”, the 2009 George Meany-Lane Kirkland Human
Rights Award.
The council’s decision was issued by consensus for the role played by the CTUWS throughout
twenty years in defending the rights of the Egyptian workers and for the General Union of the
Real Estate Tax Authority Employees for being the fist independent trade union in Egypt. The
decision stats that 'As leading examples of Egyptian workers’ dedication to fighting for
freedom of association and workers’ rights, the AFL-CIO is pleased to award the IGU'RETA'
and CTUWS, on behalf of all Egyptian workers, the 2009 George Meany-Lane Kirkland
Human Rights Award'.
It is the first time that the award goes to the Arab world as an appreciation to the Egyptian
labour movement for struggling in order to obtain its rights. The award will be presented in an
award ceremony to be held by AFLC-CIO in Washington D.C. in presence of AFLC-CIO
leaders, representatives of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Congress
Members, researchers and individuals interested in labour affairs.
Worthy of mention, the CTUWS was granted the French Republic’s Human Rights Prize in
1999 as the first Egyptian organization to win this Award. In 2000, the CTUWS was given
special appreciation from the European Network of NGOs (SOLIDAR) for defending economic
and social rights of Egyptian workers.
As CTUWS announces that it is honored by this highly esteemed Award, it congratulates its
activists and pay tribute to its founders who developed its ideas and guided its path, as well as
all those who participated in its activities throughout twenty years.
The CTUWS considers this award at this time as an international appreciation to the struggles of
the Egyptian labour movement in breaking fetters that have been impeding its development for
many decades, in order to obtain its legal rights and raise the banners of freedom and justice.

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Egypt/Helwan - Mohammed Said Ahmed st.- Petrogas buildings- Alexandria building-

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Tel: +202 255 93 929 / +2012 0532 488 Fax: + 202 255 93 932
E-mail: ctuws.ctuws@gmail.com, Website:http://www.ctuws.com