CAIRO - Egypt's army was expected to step up efforts to restore stability on Tuesday, hoping a promise to ensure a swift transition to civilian rule would end splinter protests that have flared since the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak. Facing a wave of protests by workers ranging from banking staff to tourist guides, the military rulers urged people to return to their jobs to avoid more damage to an economy hurt by the 18-day uprising. A powerful dust storm affecting Cairo was expected to deter worker demonstrations on Tuesday, which is also a national holiday to mark the Prophet Mohammad's birthday, so the response to the appeal was more likely to become clear on Wednesday. The military was holding talks with activists at the forefront of the revolt that ended Mubarak's 30-year rule to reassure them of their commitment to democracy and a smooth and orderly transition of power. But with anger still smouldering over rising prices, low wages and economic hardship, the military faces a delicate balancing act in restoring stability while allaying suspicions about its readiness to relinquish power. Egypt's revolution sent shock waves around the Middle East as well as global financial markets worried about the effect on oil supplies.