Sadrist thugs attack General Federation of Iraqi Workers

Thugs from the Sadrist movement in Iraq stormed the offices of the General Federation of Iraqi Workers in Baghdad last week, assaulting union members and damaging property.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber wrote to the Iraqi Charges D'Affaires Dr Muhieddin Hussein Abdullah protesting against this latest attack on trade unions.

'...we received a report on 10 July 2012 that a group of thugs from the Sadrist movement stormed the head office of the General Federation of Iraqi Workers (GFIW), assaulted members of the union, and seized property and records, before shutting the office down. This is the latest in an alarming series of attempts by the Sadrist movement, which controls the Labour Ministry to take over the GFIW.

An independent and strong trade union movement can be the backbone of a democratic and fair society. Yet in Iraq such a movement is being dangerously undermined. Sadly, it appears that no elements within the government are effectively challenging this. To turn this situation around, can your government bring these thugs to justice, let the GFIW operate in peace and freedom, and finally pass an ILO-compliant labour law?'

For more information see:

GFIW (10 July 2012) Thugs attack workers and trade union offices

ITUC annual survey on violations of trade union rights 2012: Iraq

GFIW (22 June 2012) Iraqi trade unions in Basra denounce sham elections.