General Union of Oil Employees in Basra

Oil Minister's transfer of union activists a 'human rights crime'

noreply@blogger.com (Ewa Jasiewicz) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:29:00 +0000

The Iraqi Oil minister, Hussein Al-Shahirstani, had ordered the transfer of 8 Oil Union activists.

They used to work at the Oil refineries in the south. This act represents the minister's anti-union policy, and lack of respect for Unions and Unions' activists in the Oil sector.

Those activists, through their hard work, are well known for fighting corruption and corrupt-ministry gangs in the Oil sector.

They have been transfered to Baghdad Al-Dorah neighborhood (known for worsening security situation, and high level of sectarian killings) .

In the context of Iraqi security situation such a transfer is rightfully regarded as Human rights crime.

We call upon all good-will people in the world to take a stance and denounce these despicable and criminal acts by the Iraqi Oil ministry against Trade Unions and their activists.

The trade unions have been reestablished and revitalized through the hard work of union activists without any protection from the state, which keeps bragging about democracy.

This act is a clear evidence that the Iraqi state is after liquidating Trade Unions in this important Iraqi economic sector, Oil. It is important to note that the south is the main source of Oil in Iraq.

The oil sector there comprises more than 39 thousand workers.

The Iraqi state had no intention of having an Oil trade Union in that sector because it represents a threat to its authority.

We call upon you from all parts of the world to stand with us, for the sake of labor and workers interests.

Respectfully, Hassan Juma Awad, IFOU

Mayday Message from Iraqi Trade Unions

noreply@blogger.com (Ewa Jasiewicz) — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:59:00 +0000

May Day 2008 Statement from the Iraqi Labour Movement To the Workers and All Peace Loving People of the World

On this day of international labour solidarity we call on our fellow trade unionists and all those worldwide who have stood against war and occupation to increase support for our struggle for freedom from occupation - both the military and economic.

We call upon the governments, corporations and institutions behind the ongoing occupation of Iraq to respond to our demands for real democracy, true sovereignty and self-determination free of all foreign interference.

Five years of invasion, war and occupation have brought nothing but death, destruction, misery and suffering to our people.

In the name of our “liberation,” the invaders have destroyed our nation’s infrastructure, bombed our neighbourhoods, broken into our homes, traumatized our children, assaulted and arrested many of our family members and neighbours, permitted the looting of our national treasures, and turned nearly twenty percent of our people into refugees.

The invaders helped to foment and then exploit sectarian divisions and terror attacks where there had been none.

Our union offices have been raided. Union property has been seized and destroyed. Our bank accounts have been frozen. Our leaders have been beaten, arrested, abducted and assassinated. Our rights as workers have been routinely violated.

The Ba’athist legislation of 1987, which banned trade unions in the public sector and public enterprises (80% of all workers), is still in effect, enforced by Paul Bremer’s post-invasion Occupation Authority and then by all subsequent Iraqi administrations.

This is an attack on our rights and basic precepts of a democratic society, and is a grim reminder of the shadow of dictatorship still stalking our country. Despite the horrific conditions in our country, we continue to organise and protest against the occupation, against workplaces abuses, and for better treatment and safer conditions.

Despite the sectarian plots around us, we believe in unity and solidarity and a common aim of public service, equality, and freedom to organise without external intrusions and coercion.

Our legitimacy comes from our members. Our principles of organisation are based on transparent and internationally recognised International Labour Organisation standards. We call upon our allies and all the world’s peace-loving peoples to help us to end the nightmare of occupation and restore our sovereignty and national independence so that we can chart our own course to the future.

1) We demand an immediate withdrawal of all foreign
troops from our country, and utterly reject the agreement being
negotiated with the USA for long-term bases and a military presence. The
continued occupation fuels the violence in Iraq rather than alleviating
it. Iraq must be returned to full sovereignty.

2) We demand the passage of a labour law promised by our
Constitution, which adheres to ILO principles and on which Iraqi trade
unionists have been fully consulted, to protect the rights of workers to
organize, bargain and strike, independent of state control and
interference.

3) We demand an end to meddling in our sovereign economic
affairs by the International Monetary Fund, USA and UK. We demand
withdrawal of all economic conditionalities attached to the IMF's
agreements with Iraq, removal of US and UK economic "advisers"
from the corridors of Iraqi government, and a recognition by those bodies
that no major economic decisions concerning our services and resources
can be made while foreign troops occupy the country.

4) We demand that the US government and others
immediately cease lobbying for the oil law, which would fracture the
country and hand control over our oil to multinational companies like
Exxon, BP and Shell. We demand that all oil companies be prevented from
entering into any long-term agreement concerning oil while Iraq remains
occupied. We demand that the Iraqi government tear up the current draft
of the oil law, and begin to develop a legitimate oil policy based on
full and genuine consultation with the Iraqi people. Only after all
occupation forces are gone should a long term plan for the development of
our oil resources be adopted.

We seek your support and solidarity to help us end the military and economic occupation of our country.

We ask for your solidarity for our right to organise and strike in defence of our interests as workers and of our public services and resources. Our public services are the legacy of generations before us and the inheritance of all future generations and must not be privatised. We thank you for standing by us.

We too stand with you in your own struggles for real democracy which we know you also struggle for, and against privatisation, exploitation and daily disempowerment in your workplaces and lives.

We commend those of you who have organised strikes and demonstrations to end the occupation in solidarity with us and we hope these actions will continue.

We look forward to the day when we have a world based on co-operation and solidarity.

We look forward to a world free from war, sectarianism, competition and exploitation.

Endorsed by:

Hassan Juma’a Awad, President, Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions (IFOU)
Faleh Abood Umara, General Secretary, Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions (IFOU)
Falah Alwan, President, Federation of Workers Councils and Unions in Iraq (FWCUI)
Subhi Albadri, President, General Federation of Workers Councils and Unions in Iraq (GFWCUI)
Nathim Rathi, President, Iraqi Port Workers Trade Union
Samir Almuawi, President, Engineering Professionals Trade Union
Ghzi Mushatat, President, Mechanic and Print Shop Trade Union
Waleed Alamiri, President, Electricity Trade Union
Ilham Talabani, President, Banking Services Trade Union
Abdullah Ubaid, President, Railway Trade Union
Ammar Ali, President, Transportation Trade Union
Abdalzahra Abdilhassan, President, Service Employees Trade Union
Sundus Sabeeh, President, Barber Shop Workers Trade Union
Kareem Lefta Sindan, President, Lumber and Construction Trade Union, General Federation of Iraqi Workers (GFIW)
Sabah Almusawi, President, Wasit Independent Trade Union
Shakir Hameed, President, Lumber And Construction Trade Union (GFWCUI)
Awad Ahmed, President, Teachers Federation of Salahideen
Alaa Ghazi Mushatat, President, Agricultural And Food Substance Industries
Adnan Rathi Shakir, President, Water Resources Trade Union
Nahrawan Yas, President, Woman Affairs Bureau
Sabah Alyasiri, President (GFWCUI) Babil
Ali Tahi, President (GFWCUI) Najaf
Ali Abbas, President (GFWCUI) Basra
Muhi Abdalhussien, President (GFWCUI), Wasit
Ali Hashim Abdilhussien, President (GFWCUI) Kerbala
Ali Hussien, President (GFWCUI) Anbar
Mustafa Ameen, Arab Workers Bureau, President (GFWCUI)
Thameer Mzeail, Health Services, Union Committee
Khadija Saeed Abdullah, Teachers Federation, Member
Asmahan, Khudair, Woman Affairs, Textile Trade Unions
Adil Aljabiri, Oil Workers Trade Union Executive Bureau Member
Muhi Abdalhussien, Nadia Flaih, Service Employees Trade Unions
Rawneq Mohammed, Member, Media and Print Shop Trade Union
Abdlakareem Abdalsada, Vice President (GFWCUI)
Saeed Nima, Vice President (GFWCUI)
Sabri Abdalkareem, Member, (GFWCUI) Babil
Amjad Aljawhary, Representative of GFWCUI in North America

Oil Minister Attack on Union Members 'a human rights crime'

noreply@blogger.com (Ewa Jasiewicz) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 12:51:00 +0000

The Iraqi Oil minister, Hussein Al-Shahirstani, had ordered the transfer of 8 Oil Union activists.

They used to work at the Oil refineries in the south. This act represents the minister's anti-union policy, and lack of respect for Unions and Unions' activists in the Oil sector.

Those activists, through their hard work, are well known for fighting corruption and corrupt-ministry gangs in the Oil sector.

They have been transfered to Baghdad Al-Dorah neighborhood ( known for worsening security situation, and high level of sectarian killings) . In the context of Iraqi security situation such a transfer is rightfully regarded as Human rights crime.

We call upon all good-will people in the world to take a stance and denounce these despicable and riminal acts by the Iraqi Oil ministry against Trade Unions and their activists. The trade unions have been reestablished and revitalized through the hard work of union activists without any protection from the state, which keeps bragging about democracy.

This act is a clear evidence that the Iraqi state is after liquidating Trade Unions in this important Iraqi economic sector, Oil. It is important to note that the south is the main source of Oil in Iraq. The oil sector there comprises more than 39 thousand workers. The Iraqi state had no intention of having an Oil trade Union in that sector because it represents a threat to its authority.

We call upon you from all parts of the world to stand with us, for the sake of labor and workers interests. Respectfully, Hassan Juma Awad, IFOU

International Womens Day Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (Ewa Jasiewicz) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 12:16:00 +0000

This is an important announcement.

The Iraqi Federation of Oil Employee Union (IFOU) organised a celebration in honor of women's and mothers' day in Basra.

This included a bazaar in support of the Iraqi women. All organizations and political parties were invited to participate.

700 people- mostly women - attended the celebrations.

An array of programs in honored the day:

1. Opening: standing a minute of silence in honor of the martyrs

2. Ms. Saba Qassim will deliver a speech on behalf of the office of women's affairs

3. A speech by the president of IFOU

4. A speech by Mr. Yasser from a non-violence organization

5. the Iraqi national Anthem

6. Poetry recitation from numerous poets, and a children coral

7. a brief biography about the life of a deceased female union activist named Bushra

The activity coincides with the fifth anniversary of the criminal occupation of Iraq. It is a painful anniversary for Iraqis and all the honest and sincere people around world. We talked about the on going perpetual catastrophe on Iraq through that day. Though words and talks are not enough to rid ourself from this criminal occupation, struggle, hard work, and solidarity are the only way to do so.

Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions
March 2008

IFOU President UK Speaking Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Ewa Jasiewicz) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 23:42:00 +0000

Organised by the Stop the War Coalition www.stopwar.org.uk Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions president Hassan Jumaa Awad will be speaking in the following cities:

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 28TH - LONDON
Friends Meeting House, Euston Road, London, NW1 @ 6.30pmOpposite Euston station, map: http://tinyurl.com/3yw3pb
Tony Benn
Ibrahim Mousawi editor, Hezbollah’s newspaperLebanon
Hassan Juma’a president, Iraqi OilWorkers Federation
Lindsey German convenor, Stop theWar Coalition
Yasmin Alibhai-Brown journalist

FRIDAY 29TH FEBRUARY - BRISTOL
WORLD AGAINST WAR - UNCENSORED VOICES FROM THE MIDDLE EAST - PUBLIC MEETING -
Date: February 29th Time: 7.30pm Venue: The Council House, College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TR Map: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=BS1+5TR&iwloc=A&hl=en

Speakers:
Ibrahim Mousawi, Editor Al Intiqad, Hezbollah's newspaper
Hassan Juma, President Iraqi Oil Workers Union
John Rees, Stop the War and the Cairo Conference

SATURDAY MARCH 1ST - BIRMINGHAM
NO MORE WAR DAYSCHOOL
Birmingham Stop the War Coalition Anti War conference and Day School. Saturday 1st March 10.30am to 3pm Birmingham Council House, Victoria Square.

Speakers include:
Jeremy Corbyn MP
Haifa Zangana, Author
Hassan Juma'a, Iraqi Federation of Oil Workers
Chris Nineham, StWC
Ibrahim Mousawi, Editor of Hezbollah Newspaper
Salma Yaqoob, Birmingham Councillor and StWC
Clare Short MP
Roger McKenzie, Midlands TUC Secretary
Moazzam Begg, Former Guantanamo prisoner

SATURDAY MARCH 1ST - AFTERNOON - MANCHESTER
MANCHESTER WORLD AGAINST WAR RALLY
Saturday 1 March, 3pm, Friends Meeting House, Mount Street.
Speakers include:

Hassan Juma'a, President of the Iraqi Oil Workers Ferderation
Ibrahim Moussawi, Editor of Al Intiqad, Hezbollah linked paper
Andrew Murray, Chair of Stop the War Coalition

SUNDAY MARCH 2ND - CAMBRIDGE
WORLD AGAINST WAR PUBLIC RALLY
McCrum Lecture Theatre, Corpus Christi College, Benet Street (next to Eagle Pub). 12-2.30pm

Speakers include:
Ibrahim Mousawi, Editor of Al Intiqad Journal, linked to Hezbollah
Hassan Juma'a, President of the Iraqi Federation of Oil Workers Union Andrew Murray, Chair of Stop the War Coalition

SUNDAY MARCH 2ND - EVENING - NORWICH
NORWICH: WORLD AGAINST WAR PUBLIC RALLY
St. Gregory’s Centre for the Arts Pottergate, Norwich. Sunday 2nd March 2008 7pm. More information Frank 01493 664499 or Peter 01603 405098. Email info@norwichstopwar.org.uk, www.norwichstopwar.org.uk

Speakers:
Hassan Juma’a President, Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions
Ibrahim Mousawi, Editor of Hezbollah Newspaper
Andrew Murray, Chair of Stop the War Coalition
John Rees, National Stop the War Coalition

MONDAY MARCH 3RD - CARDIFF
CARDIFF: WORLD AGAINST WAR RALLY
Law Lecture Theatre, Law Building, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff. 7.30pm.
Speakers include:
Ibrahim Mousawi, Editor of Al Intiqad Journal, linked to Hezbollah
Hassan Juma'a, Presidentof Federation of Iraqi Oil Workers Union
Chris Nineham, Stop the War Coalition

TUESDAY MARCH 4TH - LIVERPOOL
MERSEYSIDE STOP THE WAR COALITION PUBLIC MEETING
TUESDAY 4th MARCH 7pm

Speakers; IBRAHIM MOUSAWI (Hezbollah Editor Al Intiqad)
HASSAN JUMAA (President Iraqi oil workers)
Dr ELAHEH ROSTAMI POVEY (Iranian writer)
JOHN REES (Stop the War Coalition)

VENUE: PRINCES PARK METHODIST CHURCH, PRINCES AVENUE, TOXTETH

IFOU petitions Labour Minister for recognition rights and a pluralistic Iraqi trade union congress

noreply@blogger.com (Ewa Jasiewicz) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:39:00 +0000

No. 5

Date: Jan. 3, 2008

To: His Excellency, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs

Re: Draft

Dear Excellency,

In order to establish a democratic status and having elected trade unions and labor federations and organizations which operate in accordance with by-laws that provide for the legitimacy of the elected worker representatives from real, hierarchical grassroots within the democratic trend for new Iraq, we would like to state the following:

After the collapse of the former regime, a group of labor activists reestablished the oil trade unions in the oil companies in order to maintain the production and safeguard the employees' rights. The security situation has been deteriorating due to the occupation. The oil facilities and stations have been subject to destruction, sabotage and looting. Because of this, the labor activists, on April 20, 2003, formed a preparatory committee in the South Oil Company which assumed the task of forming trade union committees in all the oil companies in the south of the country.

Thirty eight trade union committees were formed and distributed on all the workplaces in the oil companies. The committees were formed by direct secret ballot and in the presence of representatives from the governorate, political parties, the judiciary and the oil companies and a number of guests from outside the oil sector. All these actions are documented with pictures and filed at the Federation's secretariat. Ever since there establishment, these committees participated in restoring life to all companies that sustained damage and sabotage. The percentage of damage was 100%. The committees took part in the reconstruction process and the oil sector officials can confirm this. On September 15, 2004, all trade union committees met and elected the administrative bodies for all trade unions and then the general trade union was elected and started operating on October 15, 2004.

Due to the expansion in the trade union organization, the trade union committees in Thi Qar, Misan and Muthanna joined the General Trade Union. The trade unions boards of directors called for the first founding congress to elect the presidium on November 20, 2006. On November 22, 2006, the Presidium met and assumed its tasks and functions formally. The first executive bureau was elected in the Oil Unions Federation and the Federation convened under its new leadership for the first time on December 2, 2006. All the meeting minutes are duly documented, approved and filed at the Federation together with the by-laws. Based on the aforementioned, the Federation was officially recognized by all international organization that have contacts with the other Iraqi federations.

Your Excellency,

Article 22 (C) of the Iraqi Constitution states that: "The State guarantees the right of forming and joining professional associations and unions. This will be organized by law."

Article 15 of the Draft Labor Law for 2006 states that:

Workers are entitled, without previous authorization, to form and join their own trade unions.

Workers organizations have the right to draft their own by-laws and regulations, elect their representatives freely and organize their administration and programs.

Workers organizations may not be dissolved or suspended by an administrative decision from any administrative body.

Workers organizations may establish and join branch and general federations; and these organizations, federations and/or general federations have the right to join international worker organizations.

The Iraqi government shall take all necessary procedures and arrangements to ensure the freedom of association.

Workers shall enjoy the necessary protection from any discriminatory actions due to their trade union activity.

By virtue of these state-guaranteed rights and in accordance with the Constitution and Draft Labor Law for 2006, we, in the Oil Unions Federation, suggest forming multiple federations and unions to cover various professions and industries. We suggest (establishing a high central council which includes all the elected federations operating in Iraq in order to promote and advance the democratic work which will definitely be in the interest of the organizational process and the Iraqi working class.)

In this regard, we ask you not to make the same mistake of the former regime which recognized one central federation that represented the one party views and opinions. We appeal to you to approve a pluralistic approach whereby sectoral federations and professional associations are recognized in the union work. Ever since the collapse of the former regime, Iraq has witnessed the birth of independent federations and trade unions that are not affiliated to the GFIW but are recognized by the international and regional organizations.

While the Oil Unions Federation is proud of the elections, we reiterate their integrity and fairness. We followed a modern and civilized approach through involving all the existing Iraqi federations in the preparatory committees and the elections were conducted under the supervision of the international trade union leaderships. Our Federation saves no effort to ensure the success of this pioneering experience. We also hope that all existing trade union leaders take part in the elections starting from the grassroots, i.e. from the trade union committees in the plants or factories where the trade unionists work. We do believe that in order to have a successful organization, we have to follow the bottom-top approach. We hope that our proposal would receive your attention.

May God guide you to the best interest of Iraq.

Best regards,
Hassan Jum'a
President of the Oil Unions Federations in Iraq

Attachments:
Layout for forming the Trade Union Council

CC:

The Council of Ministers, for your information with regards;

The Ministerial Committee for following up elections, for your information with regards;

His Excellency, the Governor of Basra, for your information with regards;

GFIW, for your information with regards;

FWCUI, for your information with regards;

ILO, for your information with regards;

ALO, for your information with regards;

ICEM, for your information with regards;

TUC, for your information with regards;

ITF, for your information with regards;

CGIL, for your information with regards;

AFL-CIO, for your information with regards;

US Labor against the War, for your information with regards;

SC in Jordan, for your information with regards;

ITUC, for your information with regards

Influential Iraqi trade union leader in London

noreply@blogger.com (Ewa Jasiewicz) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 19:09:00 +0000

Press advisory from Naftana
29 November 2007

Influential Iraqi trade union leader in London – available for interviews

WHO: Hassan Juma’a, President of the Iraq Federation of Oil Unions
WHEN: Friday 30 November – Tuesday 4 December
WHERE: Hassan will be in London for 4 days, including at Stop the War Coalition’s ‘World Against War’ conference, Westminster Central Hall SW1 9NH, Saturday 1 December, 10am – 6pm
CONTACT: to arrange an interview, please contact SABAH JAWAD, 07985 336 886

Anti-war activists will meet on Saturday with one of Iraq’s most influential civil society leaders, who has played a central role in defending the rights of Iraqi oilworkers, and in successfully opposing US and British moves to privatise Iraq’s oil.

Hassan Juma’a, the President of the Iraq Federation of Oil Unions (IFOU), will be speaking at Stop the War Coalition’s ‘World Against War’ conference.

The IFOU, which represents more than half of the oilworkers in Iraq’s oil-rich south, has been at the forefront of the campaign by Iraqi civil society groups to stop a US-sponsored oil law – a law which has still not passed, in spite of intense pressure.

If passed, the law would give the primary role in developing Iraq’s oil to multinational companies such as BP, Shell and ExxonMobil, under fixed contracts of up to 30 years. The IFOU opposes the law for surrendering Iraqi sovereignty, and for reflecting the interests of foreign companies over those of the Iraqi people.

Sami Ramadani of Naftana, the UK support committee for the IFOU, comments:

“Whilst our media give a consistently one-sided picture of events in Iraq, on Saturday people in Britain will have a chance to hear some good news: that there is a growing and effective civil society in Iraq. Hassan Juma’a is an inspirational figure, who has worked tirelessly for an Iraq that is peaceful, democratic and non-sectarian. Meanwhile, the occupation forces have claimed these same goals but their actions have sought precisely the opposite.”

The USA has put enormous pressure for the passage of the oil law, including making it a condition for economic assistance, and for political support for the government of Prime Minister al-Maliki. Yet five successive US-imposed deadlines for passing the law – December 2006, and March, May, July and September 2007 – have all been missed in the face of powerful Iraqi opposition.

The IFOU has faced severe repression for its stand. Following strike action in June, the Iraqi government issued arrest warrants issued for Hassan Juma’a and other union leaders, and militarised their workplaces. A month later, the Oil Minister declared the IFOU an illegal organisation, citing legislation from Saddam Hussein’s dictatorship.

However, pressure for the law – and subsequently for long-term production contracts – remains, and the IFOU’s struggle is far from over.

Hassan Juma’a comments:

“We know that the majority of the people of Britain opposed the war. We call on those people in stand with us in defending our economic future, and preventing our resources from being stolen by the brutal occupation and its oil companies”

US Occupation Forces Kill Oil Engineer Talib Naji Abboud

noreply@blogger.com (Ewa Jasiewicz) — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 16:10:00 +0000

For Immediate Release

Naftana Press Release
Thursday 20 September 2007

Oil Union declares: US occupation forces kill oil engineer

The Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions (IFOU) has announced that US occupation forces carried out an unprovoked attack against a crew of workers in the Rumaila oilfields in Basra on the morning of Monday 18 September. As a result of this cowardly and criminal act, Chief Engineer Talib Naji Abboud was wounded and taken to hospital where he died in the evening of Tuesday 19 September.

This comes one day after the massacre perpetrated by the Blackwater mercenary gang in Baghdad's Mansour district on Monday, in which Iraqi officials say 11 people were killed, but unofficial reports speak of up to 50 deaths, all innocent victims of all ages and both genders. Instead of curbing and punishing the Blackwater mercenary gangs, the occupation is escalating unprovoked attacks on Iraqi citizens.

The IFOU has called on the Iraqi Government to take action to protect the lives of Iraqi citizens, and the Federation held a protest rally at the Southern Oil Company headquarters in Basra today at 10am local time to condemn this premeditated murder and the continuing occupation of Iraq.

In the meantime, the Minister of Oil Hussain Al-Shahristani has remained silent about the latest criminal attack directed at workers who are under his direct remit and who were ambushed while going about their normal business of running this vital industry. Indeed, the latest attack seems to be designed to show that the occupation forces will act with impunity, and that there is going to be little distinction between mercenaries and regular US troops.

The attack in the oilfields seems also to be designed to push the Iraqi Government to take further harsh and repressive measures against the oil workers at a time when they are resisting the privatization of the industry. The murder of Chief Engineer Talib Naji Abboud should also be laid at the door of the oil corporations that are trying to force their way into Iraq and to control its resources at any cost.

We call upon the Trade Union and anti-war movements in Britain to condemn this heinous crime and send letters of protest to the Foreign Office and the US embassy.

Naftana

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 (‘Our Oil’ in Arabic) 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 and its stand against the privatisation of
Iraqi oil demanded by the occupying powers.

IFOU Statement on Attack by Minister of Oil

noreply@blogger.com (Ewa Jasiewicz) — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 21:33:00 +0000

August 20th 2008

In the name of God the gracious the merciful

Statement

It is clear to everyone that the bygone dictatorial regime worked diligently to confront worker's unions by invalidating them in the public sector in accordance to decree number 150 issued in the year 1987. After the fall of the regime, activist workers from the oil sector reconstituted their unions.

The foundation was laid out by the Southern Oil Company, and later spread to all oil sector companies. The union has lead many strikes in all oil companies in order to expel foreigners from the oil sector. This lead to the formation of the Federation of Oil Unions with two main goals regarding the oil sector:

1- To maintain Iraq's oil wealth

2- To struggle for workers' rightsThe union has organized scientific conferences discussing the situation of the oil sector of which the first and second scientific conferences against privatization were held in the years 2005 and 2006 respectively.

Preparations are still underway to hold the third such conference and to confront the passage of the oil and gas law, which lies under American administration pressure. Consequently, a symposium to discuss this law was held on February 6th 2007.

The Federation of Oil Unions, which is leading the struggle of the working class in the oil sector in order for the workers to receive their rights and in order to protect Iraq's oil wealth, is currently being subjected to a vicious attack headed by the Minister of Oil.

The minister has issued decree number 12774 on July 18th 2007 banning union work [management working with or recognizing unions], using false pretexts based on decree number 150 that was issued in 1987 by the dictatorial regime.

The position of the minister contradicts all conventions of the International Labor Organization, especially relating to the "freedom of union work" which was signed by Iraq and should therefore abide by it.

This position is due to our union's position towards the American imperialistic project known as the oil and gas law. We view this law as an illegal way to seize the wealth of Iraqis without any economical or political excuse.

We call on all labor and vocational unions and all political movements to join our union in solidarity and to sign this statement which condemns the decision of the minister of oil. We call on him to withdraw his decree.

This is what all unions and movements demand and desire since our union is an integral part of the national Iraqi movement.May God be of assistance.

The Federation of Oil Unions

Iraqi Oil Union Leader Visits UK

noreply@blogger.com (Ewa Jasiewicz) — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 12:15:00 +0000

For Immediate Release
Tuesday July 10th 2007

Iraqi Oil Union Leader Visits UK

The leader of Iraq’s powerful oil workers union will be in the UK from Tuesday July 10th until Thursday July 19th

Hassan Jumaa Awad al Assadi is President of the 26,000 strong Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions (IFOU) The independent Federation represents workers in 10 state oil and gas companies across four governorates in the south of Iraq.

Despite having brought Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki to the negotiating table over workers rights and conditions, the IFOU is still an illegal union.

In June 2007 Iraqi troops were sent into the oil sector and arrest warrants issued against IFOU leaders after a decision to strike over unfulfilled agreements. International pressure succeeded in the withdrawal of troops and a return to negotiations. The Union has shut down exports twice in the past three years over workers terms and conditions.

The IFOU opposes the current Iraqi Hydrocarbon Law, which it says surrenders Iraq’s economic sovereignty to multinational oil companies. IFOU leaders have said their members are prepared to strike in defence of a nationalised oil industry. Iraq’s oil has been in the public sector for the past four decades.

Hassan said: ‘The British people need to hear about the occupation’s planned theft of Iraqi oil disguised as ‘The Hydrocarbon Law’.

Hassan will meet with British MPs, trade union leaders, journalists and anti-war movement leaders. He will speak about the current Oil Law, popular opposition to it, and everyday life in occupied Iraq, including conditions in British occupied Basra.

The IFOU has a policy of advocating national unity, no privatisation of Iraqi oil and has consistently called for immediate withdrawal of the occupation forces since 2004.

Contact

Sabah Jawad 07985 336 886 sabah.jawad@idao.org or Ewa Jasiewicz, 07749 421 576 ewa@platfromlondon.org

Notes for editors:

Hassan will speak at a public meeting on Wednesday July 18th at Friends Meeting House, 173 Euston Road London NW1 7pm The meeting is organised by Naftana and supported by the Stop the War Coalition and Hands Off Iraqi Oil www.stopwar.org.uk www.handsoffiraqioil.org

Naftana (‘Our Oil’ in Arabic) 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 and its stand against the privatisation of Iraqi oil demanded by the occupying powers.

The IFOU is supported by development and human rights organizations War on Want and Platform in the UK, Un Ponte Per (Italy) and US Labor Against War (USA).

For more information see the IFOU’s website www.basraoilunion.org

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

noreply@blogger.com (Ewa Jasiewicz) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 14:58:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Ewa Jasiewicz) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 14:36:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Ewa Jasiewicz) — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 16:48:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Ewa Jasiewicz) — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 13:34:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Ewa Jasiewicz) — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 11:54:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Ewa Jasiewicz) — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 13:08:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Ewa Jasiewicz) — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 13:22:00 +0000

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

Strike Averted - Maliki Accepts Federation's Demands - negotiations on implementation continue

noreply@blogger.com (Ewa Jasiewicz) — Thu, 24 May 2007 07:33:00 +0000

Following an hour and a half meeting with the Prime Minister of Iraq on Wednesday May 16th, the IFOU reported that Maliki has accepted all 16 of the Federation's demands. A committee has been composed to look at the implementation of these demands. Federation President Hassan Jumaa Awad said that the meeting had been very positive and the Prime Minister had been very responsive.

He said that a month had been allocated for the demands to be fulfilled. Strike action is by no means excluded in the event of demands remaining unfulfilled.

The committee for implementing changes is composed of represnetatives from the Ministry of Oil, the Prime Minister's office, the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions and the Southern Oil Company. The Federation's statement said that this won't be the last meeting with the Prime Minister and that ' Solidarity and will have achieved our aims and we consider this to be recognition of the Federation'

Full Strike Communique to Iraqi Prime Minister

noreply@blogger.com (Ewa Jasiewicz) — Tue, 15 May 2007 21:56:00 +0000

No./ 227

Date/ May 5, 2007

To/ His Excellency Prime Minister of Iraq

May peace and God's mercy and blessing be upon you

Subject: Strike

Further to our statement issued number 180, dated April 27, 2007, copy attached.

Our wounded Iraq, weakened by the bayonets of occupation and almost declared sectarian warfare, endures difficult circumstances. Unemployment has reached unacceptable levels; the economy is in desperate condition resulting in inflation of the cost of living of the Iraqi citizen — due in part to the increase in fuel prices in accordance with the notorious agreement with the International Monetary Fund. The IMF has been piling pressure on the government to push for the implementation of its policy in Iraq, and despite the best attempts of some Iraqi decision makers to reform wherever possible and to alleviate the resultant suffering, others have sought to derail serious solutions, by avoid dealing with urgent problems that directly impinge on the life of the citizen.

We at the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions—responding to our sense of patriotism and our legal and professional duty—have contacted government officials in the Ministry of Oil, the Parliament and even the Cabinet of Ministers and communicated the concerns of our members.

All of these concerns can be satisfied by implementing the relevant laws and following courses of action that worked in the past without any complications. That being the case, twice in the last six months we have contacted the Ministry of Oil and communicated with the minister, Dr. al-Shahristani, in addition to meeting with numerous other high ranking ministry officials, and each time we have only gained promises that were never fulfilled.

We feel that the active contribution of our member workers in the productive process of the oil sector in the South is being ignored and their role marginalized. How else to explain the granting of bonuses on the basis of profits to the oil refineries in the North (al-Bayji) and the Northern Oil Company despite their low production level, as publicly stated by the oil minister? And what should we call the inconsistencies in decisions: for example the change in granting bonuses on the basis of profits between this and the previous year? Furthermore, as branches of public companies headquartered in Baghdad we are subject to double standards, such that the implementation of any one directive is interpreted one way in the South and another in Baghdad.

As such, we find ourselves compelled to take the decision to strike, despite our awareness of some of the negative effects this action might cause. We resort to this action as a means to press the Ministry officials to apply a single and fair set of standards to all, and correct the problems referred to in our previous statement. Even as we take this action, no one else will be more mindful of guarantying the production potential and the well-maintenance of the machinery. Moreover, the realization of our just demands will reflect positively on the overall economy of Iraq, and lower the rate of unemployment.

We hereby vow to our members and to our dignified and long-suffering people to persevere until their demands for equality, justice and freedom from oppression are satisfied. The following is the list of our demands.

1- Resolve the issue of the parcels of land property in sector 52 in al-Shu’ayba belonging to the oil companies and the land property in the Tannuma area belonging to the Southern Oil Company.

2- Make a decision concerning the bonuses on the basis of profits of the oil companies according to the amendments already agreed whereby the rate of profit calculated is certified by the financial accountants of the Southern region and not according to the formula adopted by the Minister which is clearly unfair to our membership.

3- Approval of unused ordinary vacations and accumulated vacations exceeding 180 days. There is no justification for withholding any of these vacations. We also believe that the resolution issued by the State Advisory Council is not binding, for lack of legal foundation. We insist that there be no salary deductions for vacation days granted in the previous years, given that these vacations were granted with the approval and direction of Dr. Chalabi at the time.

4- Granting full time status to temporary workers, notwithstanding the length of service. This subject should be approached with humanity. At any rate, these workers are Iraqi nationals who have the right to live and work in this country.

5- Hiring the graduates of the last two graduating classes of the Oil Institute.

6- Reconsideration of the new unified payment schedule on the grounds that it is detrimental to the interests of the workers in the oil sector.

7- Appointment of holders of intermediate school certificates at the second rank on a par with the graduates of basic training from the oil institutes and of colleagues dismissed for political reasons, and dealing with the frozen work rankings, which should be raised to the third rank.

8- Rescind the 20% deduction paid to the Ministry of Defense and return the previous years' deductions to our membership.

9- We demand the actualization of the decision to transfer ownership of public housing units occupied by our members to the tenants, on a par with the employees of other state-owned agencies. We deem the stalling policy inappropriate and applying a double standard to the oil sector in the South.

10- Solve the pay and certificate problems at the Iraqi Oil Transport Company and drop the charges pending against them in the Anti-Corruption Office.

11- Reinstate in all respects the special allocations granted in oil companies which were done away with in 2005.

12- Concede administrative and financial autonomy to the branches of companies headquartered in Baghdad.

13- Scrutinize the performance of the Ministry of Oil officials from top to bottom.

14- Submit the draft of the new oil law for our union to study; we have reservations and questions concerning it.

15- Repeal the increases in fuel prices in view of their generally negative effect on citizens.

16- Medical examination and treatment for oil sector employees [some missing words], especially those inhabiting areas targeted with depleted uranium ordnance during the latest bouts of war and those afflicted by chronic cancerous diseases, and paying for the treatment whether in this country or abroad.

And may peace and God's mercy and blessing be upon you

Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions

Open Letter to US Congress and European Parliament

noreply@blogger.com (Ewa Jasiewicz) — Sat, 12 May 2007 20:47:00 +0000

Open Letter to the Members of he US Congress who Oppose the War on Iraq

To members of the European Parliaments who Oppose the War

Peace be upon you and greetings to you all,

We wish to clarify certain matters relating to events in Iraq for our friends among the members of the US Congress. It is common knowledge that the occupation spared neither the old nor the young, and that Iraq is passing through the most difficult of times because all and sundry are hounding it and covet a share of its riches. We see no good reason for linking the passing of the feeble Iraqi oil law to the withdrawal of the occupation troops from Iraq.

Everyone knows that the oil law does not serve the Iraqi people, and that it serves Bush, his supporters and the foreign companies at the expense of the Iraqi people who have been wronged and deprived of their right to their oil despite enduring all difficulties.

We ask our friends not to link withdrawal with the oil law, especially since the USA claimed that it came to Iraq as a liberator and not in order to control Iraq’s resources.

The general public in Iraq is totally convinced that Bush wants to rush the promulgation of the oil law so as to be leaving Iraq with a victory of sorts, because his project is failing every day and the occupation is collapsing in all parts of Iraq.

We wish to see you take a true stance for the children of Iraq, and we always say that history will remember those who advance peace over war.

With my regards,

Hassan Jum’a Awwad
Head of the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions

List of IFOU Strike Demands

noreply@blogger.com (Ewa Jasiewicz) — Sat, 12 May 2007 18:53:00 +0000

Official Letter Accouncing Strike Demands as Submitted to the Ministry of Oil by the IFOU

In the name of God the most merciful and graceful
(Seal)
Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions
www.basraoilunion.org

Date Reference 2007

His Excellency The Oil Minister
Subject: Entitlements

Sincere Salutations

It was our hope, after the fall of that statue, to witness the dawn of a new era marked by the recognition of the legitimate rights of our members in the oil sector. This sector that for so long has suffered injustice and been denied equity. Since the advent of this new era, we focused our efforts into effectively thwarting all attempts to exploit this sector and tamper with our resources. You have been informed of how we stalled foreign companies in their attempts to control our oil fields and refineries, and how we forced them to leave. In addition, we worked hand in hand with the ministries and agencies to accelerate the pace of oil production, and to safeguard the means of production, and raise awareness amongst workers of investing to boost the chances of success for the new era. Unfortunately, our demands for entitlements were ignored, despite four years of continued promises by ministry and government officials. In fact, we took our demands to the highest levels of the government.

We kept the prime minister apprized of our demands, but were disappointed when we came to realize that our demands fell on deaf ears. Throughout this period we worked to defuse anger and resentment and address criticism leveled by our members who mistakenly thought of us as the ones failing to put forth their legitimate demands. Henceforth:

After extensive deliberations, and based on the resolutions that came out of an Executive Board meeting with broad member representation on Thursday 26 April, 2007 at the Gas Corporation's premises in Basra, a strike was unanimously adopted, scheduled for May 10, 2007 in all the company's branches in the south and in the following provinces Basra/Missan Dhi Kar/Al Mouthnana.

The strike will go ahead, should the following demands not be completely met:

1- Make a determination on land allotment in the Shuaiba Province 52 and land distribution owned by oil companies, and the parcel in the Tannouma area, a property of the Southern Oil Company

2- Make a determination on oil companies' profits margins on the basis of the amendments to which you agreed and to determine those margins according to the certification/attestation from the south region financial/tax jurisdictions, not according to the formula adopted by the Minister that has been deemed detrimental to our membership.

3- Approval of accumulated ordinary unused vacations, and all vacations outstanding for more than 180 days. There is no justification for withholding any of these vacations. We also believe that the resolution issued by the State Advisory Council is not binding, for lack of legal foundation. We empathically insist that there be no salary deductions over the next few years for granted vacations days.

4- Granting full time status to temporary workers, notwithstanding the length of service but rather apply a more humanistic approach with those workers who are Iraqi nationals and who deserve a life in this country.

5- To hire new graduates of the last two classes

6- Rescind the new unified payment schedule which benefits only a very small number in the sector

7- Promote holders of elementary certificates to the next grade on par to their dismissed colleagues (for political reasons) and address the issue of stalled promotions for workers and others.

8- Rescind the 20% deduction from profits paid to the army and recovery of previous years' deductions.

9- We ask that those premises become employee-run, similar to other state-owned agencies. We deem the wait and see policy inappropriate, and we are wondering why the oil sector is treated so unfairly.

As we are stating the legitimate demands of our membership, it is our hope to obtain the support of those on whom we rely, and whom we supported with our blood in making the political process succeed. It is our hope to reinstate the rights of those who were aggrieved by Iraqi government officials, and eliminate the injustices bestowed on the southern region. We feel, up to the moment of this statement's drafting, that discrimination is continuing, and that the south is treated as the cash cow of Iraq. Our region gave so much to Iraq, but gained little in return. We would like to draw your attention to the fact that pollution in oil facilities has reached a peak, and the incidence of cancer has topped exceeded predictions. We also note, that the ministry pays little to no attention to these incidences that primarily impact the inhabitants in the southern area. We feel as if they are predestined to such a fate - to always give in vain. We are cautioning, that there is a limit to our tolerance. We ask that our demands be met. We feel that enough is enough.

Peace and grace be upon you.
Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions
4/27/2007

To: Top executives of oil companies
CC all media

Iraqi Oil Union Postpones Strike Until Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Ewa Jasiewicz) — Thu, 10 May 2007 06:29:00 +0000

Breaking News: The Union has postponed the strike until Monday May 14th in order to engage in further negotiations with the authorities and employers. The Union is taking the neogitiation offers in good faith.
More news to follow.

For Immediate Release Tuesday May 8th 2007

Iraqi Oil Workers to Strike Over Privatisation Law

Iraq’s largest oil workers’ trade union will strike this Thursday, inprotest at the controversial oil law currently being considered by the Iraqi parliament. The move threatens to stop all exports from theoil-rich country.

The oil law proposes giving multinational companies the primary role in developing Iraq’s huge untapped oilfields, under contracts lasting up to 30 years. Oil production in Iraq, like in most of the Middle East, has been in the public sector since the 1970s.The Union, representing 26,000 oil workers, has held three previousstrikes since 2003, each time stopping exports, for up to two days at atime. The announcement of the strike has spurred negotiations with theMinistry of Oil, which are ongoing.

Imad Abdul-Hussain, Federation Deputy Chair of the IFOU said: "The central government must be in total ownership and complete control ofproduction and the export of oil". He warned against the controversial Production Sharing Agreements favoured by foreign companies, saying other forms of co-operation with foreign companies would be acceptable but not at the level of control and profiteering indicated in the current Oil Law.

Federation President Hassan Jumaa Awad al Assadi said: ‘The oil law does not represent the aspirations of the Iraqi people. It will let the foreign oil companies into the oil sector and enact privatisation under so called production sharing agreements. The federation calls for not passing the oil law, because it does not serve the interests of the Iraqi people."The Union is not alone in its’ condemnation of the current oil law. Opponents of the law also include all of Iraq’s other trade unions, anumber of political parties, and a group of over 60 senior Iraqi oil experts.

Hassan Jumaa went on to say: "The federation calls on all unions in the world to support our demands and to put pressure on governments and the oil companies not to enter the Iraqi oil fields."Union members are also demanding an improved salary structure and a distribution of land for building homes.

Ewa Jasiewicz of Naftana – the UK Support Committee for the IFOU said:‘The Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions, like any union, has the right to engage in collective bargaining over issues important to their members.In this case, the issue of who controls Iraq’s oil and the economic future of the country is an issue which is important to all Iraqis. The Union has repeatedly called for civil society inclusion in the drafting of the oil law and has been ignored.

They are now asserting their right to have a voice in the decision making process affecting their industry and Iraq’s economic future – their courage and commitment to democracy should be supported’.Instead of the union’s participation being welcomed, leaders have been accused of jeopardizing security and threatened with legal action.

Farouq Al-Asadi, the Federation's Secretary said: ‘The Oil Minister chooses to forget that the right to strike is guaranteed by the constitution - we have chosen the legal path’.

Union leaders have already received a number of death threats which theyare taking seriously. "As soon as the federation called for the strike,many of our members and officials were physically threatened by parties active in the political process, with the aim of thwarting the strike and undermining the message of the strike organisers."

Contacts
Hassan Jumaa Awad Al Assadi, President of the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions 00964 7801 001 196 or 00964 7804 114 619

Southern Oil Company main switchboard 009644(0)319 310 (Union ext 045) www.basraoilunion.org

Sami Ramadani, lecturer and writer and member of Naftana – UK SupportCommittee for the IFOU 0044 7863 138 748
sami.ramadani@londonmet.ac.uk

Ewa Jasiewicz, Naftana UK Support Group for the IFOU and Hands Off IraqiOil Campaign 0044 7749 421 576 freelance@mailworks.org www.handsoffiraqioil.org

Notes

The IFOU is an independent trade union representing workers across 4 southern provinces in Iraq: Misan, Dhi Qar, Basra and Mauthanna in nine oil and gas related companies.The Union has been organizing since April 2003 and has stopped oil exports and production over wages and workers rights in the past. It has also held protests against oil smuggling, former regime bosses and what the union sees as the deliberate neglect and degradation of the industry in order to justify privatisation. Union members have carried out reconstruction work on drilling rigs,port equipment, pipelines and refineries since the invasion with minimal, mostly local resources.

The Union is not linked to any political party in Iraq but has members which belong to various parties.

The Union enjoys the support of trade unions and civil society organizations around the world including the International Confederation of Energy, Mining and General Workers Union (ICEM), the AFL-CIO in the US, and the Trade Unions Congress (TUC) in the UK including the NUJ and TGWU.

The union is partnered with UK development charity War on Want,the 3 milllion strong US Labor Against War in the USA, and Italian NGOUn Ponte Per

‘History Will Not Forgive Those Who Play Recklessly With Our Wealth’- Oil Union Leader’s Speech on Oil Law

noreply@blogger.com (Ewa Jasiewicz) — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 17:52:00 +0000

The speech of the head of the Federation of Oil Unions in Basra to the meeting held to debate the [proposed] oil law and the oil investment laws on Tuesday 6th February 2007

To the audience, to the guests, to the distinguished professors,

Greetings, as-salamu `alaikum wa-rahmatu ‘llah wa-barakatuhu

I would like first to offer thanks to all the brothers and sisters who are participating in this conference to debate the Iraqi oil law, and particular thanks to the Centre for Arab Gulf Studies of Basra University, notably to Professor Dr Jabbar al-Hilfi and his colleagues who have contributed in every possible way in this action.

dear colleagues

Iraq today passes through a great trial as all hostile forces join together against it. The people face attacks by takfiri zealots and the thugs of the deposed regime, which serve only to extend the war and the occupation which has succeeded in making Iraqi kill Iraqi. This method is not new to the Americans and their allies; as long as chaos reigns in this country many of the sinews of life cannot operate.

Among the objectives America wishes to achieve from the military occupation of Iraq, all the causes of which we do not want to return to, but simply to emphasize one central objective of the American political leaders who crossed oceans and wasted billions of dollars, that is Iraqi oil. Indeed we in the Federation of Oil Unions consider this the most important reason for this foul war.

dear friends

ِAnd, following this short introduction, we can today see that many of those profiting from the occupation seek to waste the national wealth which God almighty has given Iraqis and to deliver to their masters that national wealth on account of which Iraqis paid a high price. Although, right up to this hour, this wealth has not served Iraqis, we hope that it may yet bring ease not trouble to Iraqis. If we turn back a little we find law number 80 of 1961 wherein the production areas of the foreign companies in Iraq were specified and limited, and we see the manner in which Iraqis planned to profit from the national wealth was laid out, and as an extension of this law, the decision to nationalize the shares of foreign companies on the basis of which full control of Iraqi oil was achieved.

Recently the Constitution of Iraq on which the Iraqi people voted in the most dire and difficult of conditions notes in clause 111 that oil and gas are the property of the Iraqi people. But, alas, this clause in the constitution will remain but ink on paper if the oil law and oil investment law being presented to the Parliament are ratified, laws which permit production-sharing contracts, laws without parallel in many oil producers, especially the neighbouring countries. So why should Iraqis want to introduce such contracts in Iraq given that applying such laws will rob the Iraqi government of the most important thing it owns?

In this regard we would like to clarify the following points:

1—We send a message to all the members of the Iraqi Parliament, when debating the oil and investment laws, to bear the Iraqis in mind, to protect the national wealth, and to look at the neighbouring countries. Have they introduced such laws even when their relations with foreign companies are closer than in Iraq?
2—If those calling for production-sharing agreements insist on acting against the will of Iraqis, we say to them that history will not forgive those who play recklessly with the wealth and destiny of a people and that the curse of heaven and the fury of Iraqis will not leave them.
3—We strongly warn all the foreign companies and foreign capital in the form of American companies against coming into our lands under the guise of production-sharing agreements.
4—Open the way to Iraqis to manage their own oil affairs. They are able to do that; they have the experience in the field and the technical training, have overcome hardships and proven to the world that they can provide the best service to Iraqis in the oil industry. The best proof of that is how after the entry of the occupying forces and the destruction of the infrastructure of the oil sector the engineers, technical staff and workers were able to raise production from zero to 2,100,000 barrels per day without any foreign expertise or foreign capital. Iraqis are capable of further increasing production with their present skills. The Iraqi state needs to consult with those who have overcome the difficulties and to ask their opinion before sinking Iraq into an ocean of dark injustice. Those who spread the word that the oil sector will not improve except with foreign capital and production-sharing are dreaming. They must think again since we know for certain that these plans do not serve the sons and daughters of Iraq.

dear audience,

We do not oppose the introduction of new technology into the oil sector so as to increase production; we believe in that; but this must be done in a way that will safeguard the stature of the Iraqi state and its sovereignty over natural resources.

In conclusion, the law is in your hands. We consider it unbalanced and incoherent with the hopes of those who work in the oil industry. It has been drafted in a great rush in harsh circumstances. We believe this law to be more political than economic, it threatens to set governorate against governorate and region against region. Therefore I call on all the intellectuals and professors and political leaders to participate seriously in debating this vital topic in a manner useful to those participating in the committee drafting the final communiqué to be sent to the Iraqi Parliament, the Presidency of the Republic and the Prime Ministry. We say: ‘By God I swear that we have told you, by God I say that we have warned you.’

And in closing I would like to thank you for your grace in listening and to call for God’s mercy and blessing.

Hasan Jum`ah `Awwad al-Asadi
Head of the Federation of Oil Unions
6th February 2007

RESPONDING TO THE OIL LAW - Strategy Conference in Basra

noreply@blogger.com (Ewa Jasiewicz) — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 23:38:00 +0000

Towards a Democratic Oil Policy for Iraq

Iraqi Oil Union Holds Strategy Conference on Forthcoming Energy Legislation

The General Union of Oil Employees held a conference dedicated to discussing the widely-anticipated new Oil Law in cooperation with the BasraUniversity's "Center for Arab Gulf Studies" today (Tuesday February 6th).

The conference took place at the conference hall of the Oil Education Center, Basra.Representatives from all the main and relevant political parties and trade union organizations participated plus NGOactivists, university professors and MPs (list tba).

Over 200 delegates attended. Speaking from Basra today, General Union of Oil Employees leader Hassan Jumaa Awad al Assadi said that the conference had been a great success and that the event has been admired for its courage and bravery.

The main TV channels and newspapers in Iraq also covered the event. A joint statement has been prepared during the conference and will be forwarded to the Iraqi parliament and prime-ministry.

The statement, according to Hassan, is 'very strong'.

Watch this space for a translation of the statement shortly.

Letter to the World Social Forum in Nairobi from Hassan Jumaa

noreply@blogger.com (Ewa Jasiewicz) — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 00:23:00 +0000

Note: the refrences to the international development charity War on Want below relate to the support which WoW has given the union. WoW is one of the union's partner organisations in the UK. Please visit their website for further information on their excellent work www.waronwant.org

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Greetings from the Federation of Oil Unions in Iraq to the esteemed delegates of the World Social Forum

To our esteemed brothers and sisters in War on Want

Please accept our sincere apologies for not being able to attend your conference. This is due to the difficult and dangerous times that are the reality of Iraq at present. This awful situation is directly the result of occupation and the terrorists who target the people of Iraq. We believe that America is complicit in all the acts of death and destruction that occur daily in our wounded Iraq. It is clear to us that the aim of American planning and invasion is to destroy the infrastructure of the country and to create civil strife and conflict between the components of Iraqi society. The sectarianism that is tearing Iraq apart was unknown before the occupation. Even the long war with Iran and the brutal sanctions regime did not fracture the unity of the Iraqi people.

The Iraqi people will remain united in the face of these crimes that are orchestrated by the occupying American forces. I implore the peace loving people of the west who believe in genuine democracy to stand with the Iraqi people in their hour of need. The Iraqi people will rise to expel the occupying forces and start the mammoth task of reconstruction with Iraqi hands, and help from the peace loving people of the world.

And I particularly say to America “hands off Iraqi oil”. This wealth belongs to the people of Iraq and the decent people of the world.

I wish you every success with your conference and please do not forget Iraq and its people. Your support of our civil institutions is much appreciated.

To our friends in “War on Want”, thank you for your financial support. It was thanks to your gracious support that our second privatisation conference in Basra was a success.

Finally, I say to you that the Iraqi people believe in peace and genuine democracy and not Bush’s fake democracy built on death and destruction.

Hassan Juma’a Awad Al-Asadi.
Head of Federation of Iraqi Oil Unions
18/01/07