More Commons pressure to restore independence of Iraqi trade unions

Labour MP Rob Marris kindly took up the LFIQ appeal and this answer helpfully clarifies the issue and should increase support from the British and wider trade union movement to restore the finances and independence of the Iraqi trade union movement to help them rebuild their movement and contribute to the democratic reconstruction of Iraq.

Gary Kent

Iraq (Trade Unions) – 26th April

Rob Marris: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received concerning the independence of trade unions in Iraq; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Howells: I have received a number of representations concerning the independence of trade unions in Iraq.

In June 2005, I met a delegation from the Iraqi Federation of Trade Unions and the Iraqi Kurdistan General Workers during their visit to the UK. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials met Iraqi trade union representatives at our Embassy in Baghdad in February 2006.

Article 22 of the Iraqi Constitution guarantees the right of Iraqis to form and join unions and professional associations. However, the Iraqi transitional Government issued Decree 8750 on 8 August 2005, which froze union finances while a new law on trade unions was developed. Unfortunately the hiatus in forming a new government and Parliament has also delayed the legislative programme. The freeze on finances is therefore still in force.