Federation claims tactical victory as negotiations resume and Ministry of Oil is reprimanded

Below is the full translation of a message received today, Monday 11 June
2007, 2pm, From Hassan Juma'a, president of the Federation of Oil Union (IFOU)
declaring a tactical victory in the ongoing struggle of Iraqi oil workers.

On behalf of Naftana, we would like to extend our thanks to all, from across the world, who have campaigned and written to express solidarity with the oil workers and the IFOU.

Naftana will continue to relay news of the oil workers in their struggle to improve living and working conditions, assert trade union rights and protect Iraq's oil from the proposed oil law, championed by the occupation governments.

Naftana - UK Support Committee for the IFOU

Full text of message

"Warm greetings,

We would like to inform you of the latest developments in the oil workers
strike in the south.

Finally the workers have won in in demanding their legitimate rights. That
is why an enlarged meeting was held with his excellency the minister of
State for the Parliament Affairs lasting five hours resulting in the
cessation of all the failings resulting from the conduct of the Iraqi
Ministry of Oil and the irresponsible stance of the oil minister.

Most of the issues within the remit of the prime minister were dealt with. The
meeting was very successful, because the minister represented the prime
minister.

The activation of the committee formed by the prime minister to
deal with the outstanding problems was affirmed. And after deliberations
within our union, the two sides agreed to halt the strike and to use
dialogue in dealings to resolve the outstanding issues.

On the other hand, all problems were presented to His Eminence Sayyid Sistani, and the Iraqi
Ministry of Oil. Therefore, we would like to say to all that the workers will is indestructible .

The workers can achieve what they want by the means
available to them and their strength. And the oil workers are very strong,
because they have a legitimate right. the workers have scored a third
victory in demanding their rights.

Long live the Iraqi working class".

Regards,
Hassan Juma'a Awwad

Solidarity Letter from the Italian Chemical, Energy and Manufacturing Trade Union Federation

FEDERAZIONE
ITALIANA
LAVORATORI
CHIMICA
ENERGIA
MANIFATTURE

Rome, 8th June 2007



Prot.n: 070608_SolidarietàIFOU_p2923/07

Re: Solidarity with IFOU Italian Government

Prime Minister Nouri-Al-Maliki
Iraqi Ambassador
Italian Ambassador




Horourable Prime Minister and your Excellencies the Ambassadors,

We of the Italian Federation of Chemical, Energy and Manufacturing Workers (Filcem-Cgil), wish, through the medium of this letter, to draw your attention and to express our support and solidarity with the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions (IFOU).

The long history of Italian trade unions teaches us that the acknowledged presence and alertness of the trade union movement as well as the role and action played by it, have always been - above all, in times of difficulties – building blocks for the development of society, and for maintaining and rebuilding democracy. The entire European experience as well as that of many other countries in the world proves this indissoluble bond.

For this reason we think that to deny trade union freedoms or to restrict their actions, would undermine the democratic and civil fabric of any country and would prevent the practicing of the entire social representation of which the trade union is the legitimate and recognized holder of responsibility.

The rebuilding of Iraq, tormented for far too long by mourning and suffering, needs everybody and it has to avail itself of a strong trade union partner representing petitions coming from that part of society having greater need to be defended and protected, starting from the world of work.

Therefore we express our anxiety regarding the sharpening of relations between the IFOU and Iraqi Government and we severely disapprove of any action aimed at preventing by force the free exercise of trade union rights including the freedom to take strike action.

For these reasons we hereby request and appeal to you to take the necessary measures so as to put a stop to the intimidation of the trade union executives of IFOU starting from its president Hassan Yuma Awad, as well as to restore relations and to return to the negotiating table.

Yours faithfully


General Secretary, Filcem-Cgil
Alberto Morselli
Via Piemonte, 32 – 00187 Roma – tel. 06.4620091 – fax 06.4824246 – nazionale@filcemcgil.it

Arrest Warrants Still in Force on Union Leaders - Strike Planned for Monday

Arrest Warrants Still in Force on Iraqi Union Leaders - Strike Planned for Monday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

Friday 8th June 2007

The president of the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions (IFOU), HassanJuma’a has informed Naftana* at about 3.30 PM London time (Friday 8thJune 2007) that the arrest warrants against the leaders of the Federation have not been withdrawn, and he made an urgent appeal toworld trade unionists and the anti-war movement to step up the solidarity campaignwith Iraq’s oil workers and trade unionists.

Hassan Juma’a said “the arrest warrants, issued by the prime minister’s office, are still in force, despite the Federation’s decision topostpone the strike till Monday 11th June to allow for furthernegotiations.” US jet planes were buzzing the skies of Basra as he spoketo Naftana on the phone. He added that Iraqi army tanks and other forces were still besieging workers in Sheiba, in Basra governorate, but that the workers willresume the strike on Monday if their demands were not met.

IFOU members started strike action on Monday in the pipeline section, paralyzing oil and gas supplies to many areas, including Baghdad. Thevery effective strike action was postponed on Wednesday to allow forfurther talks regarding the union’s 16 demands, relating to salaryscales, better health and work conditions and demanding consultation ontheproposedoil law. The so called Hydrocarbon Law is opposed by the union,which regards it as being against the Iraqi people’s interests and animposition by the occupation governments.

The Federation’s leader urged all unions and the anti-war movement to“step up their solidarity with the our union and the struggle of ourbrave members.”

Naftana

For further information contact:

Sami Ramadani – 07863 138748 sami.ramadani@londonmet.ac.ukKamil Mahdi – k.a.mahdi@exeter.ac.ukSabah Jawad – 07985 336886 sabah.jawad@idao.orgNotes for editors:Naftana is an independent UK-based committee supporting democratic trade unionism in Iraq. It works in solidarity with the IFOU. It strives to publicise the union’s struggle for Iraqi social and economic rights andits stand against the privatisation of Iraqi oil demanded by theoccupying powers.For more information and international appeals for solidarity action seethe IFOU’s website www.basraoilunion.org

Appeal: Hands Off Iraqi Oil Workers - model protest letters

In light of the Iraqi army continuing to surround Iraqi workers in their workplaces and the issuance of arrest warrants against Federation leaders, the union is appealing for maximum support and solidarity.

We are asking people to email both the Iraqi Prime Minister and the Oil Minister and UK Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett.

Here are model letters to send to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki and Oil Minister Dr Hussein al Sharastani:

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.

I therefore ask that the arrest warrants be retracted and that the Iraqi army leaves oil sector locations. All repressive measures against the IFOU should cease at once.

The Union has also 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,.....

Embassy of Iraq, 9 Holland Villas RoadLondon W14 8BP, Telephone: 020 7602 8456 020 7935 8457/ 79351 058 Fax: 020 7602 8456 020 7589 3356 lonemb@iraqmofa.net

Margaret Beckett, Foreign Secretary

Contact numbers: House of Commons (tel): 020 7219 3584 House of Commons (fax): 020 7219 4780
Addresses: Constituency: c/o House of Commons 1 Parliament Street London SW1A 2NE

ICEM Protests Iraqi Military’s Involvement in Basra Oil Strike

ICEM Protests Iraqi Military’s Involvement in Basra Oil Strike

Due to the Iraqi military surrounding striking Basra oil pipeline workers, the 20-million-member ICEM today called on the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to conclude peaceful negotiations with the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions (IFOU) in order to resolve their legitimate trade union demands.

In a letter to the Prime Minister from ICEM General Secretary Manfred Warda, the global union federation of oil, gas, and energy unions throughout the world, stated, “On Tuesday evening, we learnt from the union that the Iraqi army had surrounded the strikers yesterday (5 June). The situation was, we understand, extremely tense. Urgent negotiations with your representatives have led to a temporary return to work to allow further negotiations, but the army remains in position and the situation remains very tense.”

Pipeline workers of the 26,000-member IFOU, first struck pipe number 42 in the early hours of Monday, 4 June, following a company communication that a normal payment made to workers would not be forthcoming. Prior to the strike there had been weeks of negotiation, over a range of demands including terms and conditions of work, health and safety, and the future of the oil industry in Iraq.

The following morning, 5 June, the strike strengthened when oil workers cut off the flow of oil from another pipeline. That was followed by Iraqi military troops surrounding the strikers. “I assure you that military intervention in the dispute is not the way to resolve matters,” stated the ICEM letter to Prime Minister al-Maliki. “In particular, we urge you to ensure that there are no arrests or detentions of any strikers or strike leaders, and no one involved is physically harmed. Genuine negotiations over the workers’ legitimate grievances must take place.”

The ICEM is calling on all its 384 affiliated trade unions in 124 countries to send messages of support to IFOU. The ICEM is coordinating efforts to assist the IFOU together with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), the US Solidarity Center, and the UK’s Trades Union Congress.

For background on this week’s strike, visit http://www.icem.org/en/77-All-ICEM-News-Releases/ 2284-ICEM-Supports-IFOU-in-Today’s-Oil-Indus try-Strike-in-Basra. For further information, contact Jim Catterson, Intl. Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine & General Workers’ Unions (ICEM) Energy Officer: +32 2 626 2045 Jim.catterson@icem.org

Iraqi Government Orders Arrest of Union Leaders

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

C/O Embassy of the Republic of Iraq
169 Knightsbridge London SW7 1DWPhone: (020) 7581 2264Fax: (020) 7589 3356E-mail: lonemb@iraqmofamail.net Telephone: +44 207 602 8456 Fax: +44 207 371 1652





FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Naftana Press Release

6 June 2007 – 12 noon
Iraq government orders arrest of oil workers’ leaders

Iraq’s powerful oil workers’ trade union today expressed alarm as an
arrest warrant was issued for its leaders, in an attempt to clamp down on
industrial action.

Members of the union have been on strike since Monday 4th June, in protest
at the government’s failure to meet any of its promises made in a meeting
with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on 16th May. The union’s 16 demands
included improvements to wages, health and other working and living
conditions as well as consultation on the proposed oil law, which the
union opposes. The union added a 17th demand yesterday demanding the
sacking of the General Manager of the Southern Pipeline Company.

On Tuesday, al-Maliki warned that he would meet threats to oil production
“with an iron fist”.

The arrest warrant, based on a charge of “sabotaging the economy”
specifically names Hassan Juma’a Awad, the leader of the 26,000-strong
Federation of Oil Unions, and three other leaders of the Federation.

Hassan Juma’a commented, “the government is intimidating the union but we
are determined to gain our legitimate rights.” He added that the strike
would continue in accordance with the union’s plan.

The strike entered its third day today and is in its “second phase,” which
now includes the closure of the main distribution pipelines, including
supplies to Baghdad. “Phase one” closed some of the smaller distribution
pipelines. Phases one and two did not include production and exports.

The union is calling on all its supporters and unions across the world to
back the union at this critical juncture. Sami Ramadani from the union’s
UK-based support committee, Naftana said: “Issuing a warrant for the
arrest of the oil workers’ leaders is an outrageous attack on trade union
and democratic freedoms.”

For further information contact:

Sami Ramadani – 07863 138748 sami.ramadani@londonmet.ac.uk
Kamil Mahdi – k.a.mahdi@exeter.ac.uk
Sabah Jawad – 07985 336886 sabah.jawad@idao.org


Notes for editors:

Naftana is an independent UK-based committee supporting democratic trade
unionism in Iraq. It works in solidarity with the IFOU. It strives to
publicize the union’s struggle for Iraqi social and economic rights and
its stand against the privatisation of Iraqi oil demanded by the occupying
powers.
For more information see the IFOU’s website www.basraoilunion.org

Iraqi Pipeline Company Workers on Strike

Monday June 4th 2007

Iraqi Oil Workers On Strike

Workers from the Iraqi Pipelines Company in Basra are on strike today.

Workers began the strike at 6.30 this morning by shutting two 14"
pipelines carrying oil and gas products inside Iraq.

The strike is over unfulfilled demands tabled by the Iraqi Federation of
Oil Unions (IFOU) - of which the Iraqi Pipelines Union is a member - to
Prime Minister Maliki on May 16th 2007. The 16 demands focus on improved
working conditions, pay, land for homes, a reduction in the national
price of fuel and crucially, inclusion in the Oil Law drafting process.

Prime Minister Maliki agreed to the Federation's demands and established
a committee comprised of Ministry of Oil, IFOU and Southern Oil Company
representatives to implement the demands.

Strike leaders say, if the government does not implement the agreement,
the 48" crude pipeline to Baghdad will be shut.

Further details including a statement from the union tba

see www.basraoilunion.org and www.handsoffiraqioil.org for further
updates