Iraq appeal

JUST this month two train drivers, a train controller and a railway security guard employed by Iraqi Railways were killed and their bodies were mutilated when their train was attacked by an armed group. Three leading trade unionists were also assasinated on the road outside Baghdad. This is the stark reality for workers and trade unionists in the devastated, war-torn country. Late last year the headquarters of the newly- formed Iraqi Federation of Trade Unions(IFTU) in Baghdad was raided by US soldiers who hooded and beat trade unionists found inside. Occupation troops removed documents before smashing up what was left. Detained Iraqi trade unionists were only released after international trade union protests. New unions These new unions, emerging after years of dictatorship and in place of the government-run “yellow” unions which terrorised the workforce, face enormous difficulties. While they have scarcely any money or resources, the terrible condition of the rail system and the continuing acts of sabotage against the rail network mean train drivers leaving Baghdad for Basra on the daily service have no signalling system and rely on two way radios to regulate traffic. Bombs on the line are a daily occurrence, along with attacks and US occupation forces are incapable of securing the line. The US transnational Bechtel now runs the Iraqi rail sector and is in the process of privatising the industry through sub-contracting to British and US firms. IFTU European represen- tative Abdullah Muhsin said from the start the federation opposed the war and is for a withdrawal of foreign forces in order to build a sovereign, secular and democratic Iraq. It is also now fighting against the privatisation of Iraqi industries. Rebuilding He said that against all the odds the IFTU has established 12 national unions in key sectors from oil and gas workers, rail workers, communications, mechanics, printing and a construction and woodworkers union. Abdullah, who himself was forced to flee Iraq for trade union activities and lived in exile for many years, said that the IFTU was now working very closely with the Kurdish Confederation of Trade Unions to draw up new labour laws that conform with core international conventions. “Saddam was a catastrophe that crashed down on the once mighty Iraqi labour movement. “Today the IFTU have to raise money to send a travelling theatre bus on tour in Iraq, performing plays that tell Iraqi workers what trade unions are. “This was necessary because Saddam transformed trade unions into brutal agents of the state police and recruiting sergeants for his wars. “All independent unions were crushed and their leaders killed, imprisoned or exiled and stooge unions replaced them. “So we are starting again and rebuilding and we desperately need your help,” he said. Solidarity The recent TUC Congress in Brighton agreed to support the IFTU in its work and backed the federation’s position against the war and the occupation of Iraq. Delegates also condemned the abuse and torture of Iraqi prisoners by the coalition forces, and called for an audit of the cost of the invasion and occupation. “Congress believes it is now more vital than ever to support the new independent trade union movement as an essential force in the creation of a secular, democratic Iraq,” it said. G To find out more go to www.iraqitradeunions.org SOLIDARITY: Bob Crow with Abdullah Mushin of the IFTU Supporting free trade unions in Iraq UNITED: from left to right: TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber, Secretary of State for International Development Hilary Benn MP, TUC president Jeannie Drake, President Basra Electricity and Energy Union Hashimia Muhsin Hussein and General Secretary of the Iraqi Federation of Trade Unions Subhi Al Mashadani. THE TUC has launched an appeal to raise much needed money for Iraqi trade unions. You can help build a strong, free trade union movement in Iraq with a donation, or regular contribution, personally or from your union branch online at www.tuc.org.uk/iraqappeal. Donations to this site receive gift aid tax relief, which can add an extra 29 per cent to their value. Or send a cheque, payable to “TUC Iraq appeal” to Iraq Appeal, TUC, Congress House, London, WC1B 3LS. 21 Iraqi trade unionists are fighting against the privatisation of their industries