Time for the Iraqi Government to listen

Massive demonstrations will take place across Iraq tomorrow calling for social justice jobs, an end to corruption and respect for workers' rights. TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber sent his message of solidarity to the General Federation of Iraq Workers.

24 February 2011

To the General Federation of Iraqi Workers

Message of solidarity

On behalf of the TUC, and workers across Britain, I extend our warmest solidarity and best wishes to you for a successful and peaceful national day of action this Friday, 25 February 2010.

As the calls for freedom and respect for human rights sweep across the region, we hope that the Iraqi Government listens to your demands for social justice, basic services and workers' rights.

I am alarmed to think that nearly eight years have passed since the fall of Saddam's regime, yet many of its repressive laws continue to apply, making it impossible for your unions to operate effectively, and for workers to have a voice. This is completely unacceptable and we firmly support your efforts to secure a fair, just and ILO-compliant labour law. Allowed to operate freely, your unions can make an immense contribution to building a peaceful and prosperous Iraq. We stand with you on this journey.

With injustice and inequality touching every corner of the globe, our shared concerns and hopes as a global trade union movement have never been stronger. A month after your day of action, people across Britain on 26 March 2011 will be marching for jobs, justice and growth, and against the UK government's unfair, unnecessary and damaging public spending cuts.

I wish you every success on Friday.

In solidarity,

BRENDAN BARBER

General Secretary