Strikes and protests continued in Egypt on Thursday, as activists called for a "day of victory and continuation" to mark the one-week anniversary of former president Hosny Mubaraks' ousting, media reported, dpa reported
At least 1,500 Suez Canal Authority employees protested in the cities of Port Said, Suez, and Ismailiya, independent daily al-Masry al-Youm reported on its website.
The protesters, who included administrators and technicians, demanded better wages and health coverage.
The protesters claim they are only demonstrating during their break times so as not to interfere with the canal's operation.
The Suez Canal is one of the world's most important shipping passageways and a key source of revenue for Egypt.
Train conductors in various areas of the country went on strike over wages, stalling railway traffic.
At least 20,000 employees of the Misr Spinning and Weaving Company continued their strike in Mahalla al-Kubra, on the northern outskirts of Cairo.
The protesters, who began striking earlier this week, are demanding a change of management, higher wages, and improved working conditions.
The armed forces, in charge of the country since Mubarak was ousted on February 11, have called on people to end protests and strikes.
Political activists used Facebook, Twitter, and text messaging to put out a call for thousands to gather in Cairo's central Tahrir Square on Friday, one week after Mubarak's ousting.
The activists are calling for protests to continue until the armed forces meet the rest of the anti-government movement's demands.
The demonstration in Tahrir is also intended to serve as a day of remembrance for the hundreds of protesters who lost their lives during the 18 days of nationwide protests that led to Mubarak's resignation on February 11.
Unmet demands, according to a Facebook event named "Day of Victory and Continuation" include the dissolution of the cabinet headed by Prime Minister Ahmed Shafik, the release of detained protesters and a timetable for the end of emergency law.
Activists are also demanding the trial of senior members of the Interior Ministry and the former ruling National Democratic Party for crimes against protesters, dismantlement of the Directorate for State Security Investigations, and the right to peaceful protests throughout Egypt