It appears that the "consequences" of central bank bail-outs are now being realized in Egypt. Similar general strikes will spread globally soon.

Regards - VHF

Egypt Braced For 'General Strike'

BBC NEWS

00:54 GMT, Sunday, 6 April 2008 01:54 UK

The Egyptian authorities have said they will take firm action against anyone taking part in a strike on Sunday in protest against food prices and wages.

The interior ministry warned it would impose prison sentences on anybody participating in the industrial action or inciting others to take part.

It also made it clear that no public demonstrations would be tolerated.

Strikes are illegal in Egypt and in the past the government has ordered the police to break them up by using force.

The strike call comes two days before key municipal elections on Tuesday, the first to take place under the constitutional amendments passed in March 2007.

'Illegitimate groups'

In a statement, officials warned people against participating in the general strike, called by activists and workers at one of the biggest state-owned textile factories, in protest at low wages and the sharp increases in food prices in recent months.

In September, thousands of workers seized control of the Misr Helwan Spinning and Weaving Company's factory in Mahalla al-Kubra during a similar strike.

A strike at the plant in December 2006 led to a wave of labour protests and demonstrations across Egypt, after which the state met the workers' demands.

"The ministry's agencies will take the necessary and immediate firm measures against any attempt to demonstrate, block traffic, or hinder public services - or inciting any of these acts," the statement said.

The ministry also condemned the actions of "illegitimate groups" in calling the general strike and warned that prison awaited those who planned to take part.

In the past few days, anti-government groups have been sending messages on mobile phones and via the internet calling on people to stay at home on Sunday, boycott shops and wear black clothes.

Other activists are also planning sits-ins in some public squares.

The BBC's Heba Saleh in Cairo says that although a wave of popular discontent has been sweeping the country in response to the rising cost of food and low wages, the groups calling for the general strike have limited public appeal.

Nevertheless, she says some Egyptians may be tempted to express their anger about the increased hardship, which has seen queues in front of bakeries selling subsidised bread and most families struggling to meet their basic needs.

The Egyptian government has promised to increase salaries and has extended its food subsidy programme to include an additional 15 million people.

More than a third of Egyptians live below or just above the poverty line of $2 (£1) a day.