The Kirkuk conundrum

Ranj Alaaldin says that Iraqs constitutional disputes started with Kirkuk and will end with Kirkuk and examines the arguments about the new parliamentary elections scheduled for the new year.

Iraqi unions need a fair labour code, not flawed elections says TUC

The TUC is also campaigning for union rights in Iraq. The Iraqi Government is demanding that trade unions hold elections under a deeply flawed Saddam-era law. TUC General Secretary, Brendan Barber, today wrote to Foreign Secretary David Miliband asking him to press the Government of Iraqi to drop this demand and instead put in place an ILO-compliant labour code that allows all workers the right to form, join – and have a say in the running of – trade unions. 19 October 2009 Rt Hon David Miliband MP Secretary of State Dear David, Iraqi trade union elections will breach ILO … Continue reading Iraqi unions need a fair labour code, not flawed elections says TUC

Defence of Iraqi union rights raised in Parliament

Dave Anderson: It is now four years since the Iraqi Government took control of the assets of the Iraqi trade union movement. In the past week, they have seized even more control of the levers of power in the unions. Will the Secretary of State meet me and Iraqi trade unions to see whether we can find a way forward to give these people real support in a situation that should not be happening? The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Ivan Lewis): We believe in not only the rights of trade unions in this country, but in … Continue reading Defence of Iraqi union rights raised in Parliament

Stop government interference in the unions

Please support this LabourStart campaign The Higher Ministerial Committee overseeing the implementation of a Governing Council decision announced recently that nominations are open to establish a national preparatory committee to organize and supervise the General Federation of Iraqi Workers (GFIW) leadership election across the country. But this government action was done without any prior knowledge or consultation with the GFIW. The union’s Executive Committee says that this move violates Iraqi labour laws as well as International Labour Organization conventions, and is calling for broad international support of their defense of the union’s independence.

Commons motion on the importance of Iraqi Agriculture

LFIQ Joint President Dave Anderson has tabled the following motion in the Commons. That this House warmly welcomes the participation of the Kurdistan Regional Government and its Prime Ministers Advisor on Sustainable Development and Agriculture, Dr Anwar Abdullah at the World Fruit and Vegetable Expo in London on 21 and 22 October 2009; believes that this will be a good opportunity to showcase Kurdistan’s agricultural potential, including fruit of unique tastes and quality such as apples, grapes, pomegranates, figs, and tomatoes, as well as first-class honey; notes that the region is part of the historic fount of world agriculture; and … Continue reading Commons motion on the importance of Iraqi Agriculture

A statement issued by the General Federation of Iraqi Workers.

On the recent call by the Iraqi government to form a new preparatory committee for the election of the GFIW leadership. The Higher Ministerial Committee overseeing the implementation of Governing Councils decision No.(3) for the year 2004 officially announced recently that nominations are open to establish a national preparatory committee with responsibility to organize and supervise the GFIW leadership election across Iraq. This government action was done without any prior knowledge or consultation with GFIW despite the government claim that it is organizing this (election) in line with current labour law[ Law 52 of 1987] and the internal rules of … Continue reading A statement issued by the General Federation of Iraqi Workers.