Iraqi Government Orders Arrest of Union Leaders
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Naftana members spoke to IFOU leader Hassan Jumaa Awad today who alerted the support group to an arrest warrant issued by Prime Minister Maliki's office. The warrant names four leaders of the Federation including Hassan Jumaa Awad and demands their arrest for 'sabotaging the Iraqi economy'. The Federation is asking for unions and organisations world wide to support them in their unfulfilled demands and to protect them from repressive measures.
Please send faxes and emails of support for the union to Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki and Oil Minister Dr Hussein al Sharastani. Below is a model letter:
Model Letter:
Dear Mr Maliki
Dear Dr Hussein al Sharastani
I am writing to express support for the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions in their right to take industrial action over issues relating to their members' economic and social welfare.
I am also concerned about the decision to arrest union leaders for deciding to take strike action. I trust that the Union will not be penalised for taking action which is legal according to the Iraqi constiution and a fundamental trade union freedom recognised all over the world.
The Union has repeatedly asked for involvement in the drafting of the Hydrocarbon Law but has been ignored. Iraqi civil society should be involved in the decision making process over the future of the Iraqi economy - this includes trade unions.
I will be monitoring the forthcoming news from the union and would like assurance that union members will not be harmed or punished for their actions. Yours Sincerely,.....
For the attention of:
Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki
Minister of Oil, Dr Hussein al Sharastani
General Union of Oil Employees in Basra