Trade unionists and activists from the UK, US and Ireland have rallied to support the launch of a petition calling for the release of workers at Alexandria Shipyard who are on trial in an Egyptian military court. The workers were arrested after staging a sit-in to demand payment of bonuses and permanent contracts for a group of temporary staff . Read some of the messages of support below, and add your name to the solidarity statement and download campaign resources here.

Ian Hodson, President, Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union, UK – “The BFAWU sends our support and Solidarity”

Eamonn McCann, National Executive member, National Union of Journalists, Ireland and elected member of the Stormont Assembly (Northern Ireland’s regional parliament) – “When we fight, we fight for one another”

Joanne Landy, Co-director, Campaign for Peace and Democracy, United States – “In solidarity from New York City!”

Michael Eisenscher, American Federation of Teachers, Alameda Labor Council Delegate    U.S.A. – “Solidarity with the working people of Egypt and throughout the Middle East. Universal labor rights and the right of dissent do not stop at the Egyptian border.”

Dr Waseem Yaqoob, University and Colleges Union, University of Cambridge Research Staff Rep, UK – “An outrageous assault on basic human rights, not to mention workers’ rights. These illegal prosecutions should be halted immediately”

Sheila McGregor, member of the National Union of Teachers, UK – “Workers should have the right to organise as a basic civil right without intimidation from authorities of any kind, least of all by the military.”