One of the most prominent examples of independent union organizing in Egypt

Editorial by the Independent Union of Mondelez Workers (IUWMEF)

The Mondelez Alexandria Union continues to drive change through 15 years of collective bargaining

At a time when many independent unions in Egypt faced difficulties in sustaining themselves and maintaining their influence, the Independent Union of Mondelez Workers (IUWMEF) in Alexandria managed to establish itself as a distinct and effective model. Over nearly fifteen years of collective bargaining, the union has maintained a genuine presence on the shop floor, becoming one of the most prominent examples of independent union organizing in Egypt.

During these years, the union did not rely on slogans or symbolic battles, but instead chose dialogue, negotiation, and building trust with local management, while maintaining a relationship based on equality and mutual respect. The union was able to assert its position through its negotiating strength and its ability to organize and defend workers' demands collectively and responsibly, despite the differences and clashes that arose at certain stages due to diverging interests and perspectives. This approach, supported by extensive negotiating experience, contributed to building a more balanced relationship between the two sides of the production process, preserving both the stability of the factory and workers' rights.

The union's journey was not without challenges, particularly during the early days of independent union activity in Egypt. One of the most significant milestones came after the dismissal of five labour leaders in 2012 who had played a key role in establishing the independent union.

The "Screamdelez" campaign marked an important turning point after it succeeded in reinstating the five dismissed union leaders, with the support of the IUF, which underscored the importance of international worker solidarity in protecting the right to unionize.

The true beginning of the collective bargaining process came in 2015, when the union succeeded in reaching a collective agreement that helped limit the dismissal of large numbers of workers by organizing voluntary terminations in exchange for additional compensation.

The signing of the agreement in Cairo was attended by Ron Oswald, then General Secretary of the IUF, alongside the five union leaders at the time.

As economic challenges escalated, the union continued to strengthen its negotiating role. In the 2020 agreement, it succeeded in raising the monthly incentive for all workers from 8% to 10% of wages, in addition to doubling the statutory retirement allowance. The 2022 agreement also included wage adjustments ranging from 3% to 5% in addition to the annual bonus, along with a doubling of the end-of-service bonus.

Throughout this process, the IUF played a pivotal role in supporting the Mondelez Alexandria Union through technical support, negotiation expertise, and strengthening its presence within international labour solidarity networks.

In 2026, after lengthy negotiations, the independent union, with the solidarity of the IUF and its affiliates, succeeded in concluding a new collective agreement that many considered the most impactful since the union's founding. The agreement included increases in shift and seniority allowances, an 80% increase in severance and retirement benefits, the introduction of a standardized annual financial grant to support the education of workers' children, and an increase in early retirement benefits, while fully preserving all previous gains.

This experience confirms that bargaining power is not measured by slogans, but by its ability to achieve sustainable change that protects dignity, stability, and justice in the workplace.