TUC Congress 2005 Resolutions on Iraq

Resolution 77 Iraq

Congress notes with concern the deteriorating situation in Iraq both in terms of security and social amenities.

Congress regrets the failure of the US and British Governments to set an early date for a speedy withdrawal of all troops from Iraq as called for by the TUC 2004.

Congress asserts that the continued illegal occupation of Iraq is a contributory factor, and not the solution, to the increasing terrorist activities in and outside Iraq.

Congress affirms that those who, in the name of resistance to the occupation, target civilian populations, whether in or outside Iraq, commit criminal acts that do no service to the cause of peace.

Congress welcomes the contact made with Iraqi trade unionists and trade union organizations and calls on the General Council to ensure that in such contacts the question of the speedy departure of the occupying troops is firmly on the agenda and that assistance is given to support trade union education.

Congress believes that the continued presence of British troops in Iraq is morally and legally indefensible. In the absence of an early departure date being agreed with the US administration, Congress calls on the British Government to set its own unilateral date for an early and speedy departure from Iraq.

Congress calls on unions to prioritise solidarity with bone fide Iraqi/Kurdish trade unions, and to support the TUC Iraq Solidarity Committee in promoting:

a) visits to Britain;

b) twinning;

c) union education and training;

d) financial and material support; and

e) a strongly supportive role for women trade unionists.

Congress calls on the British and Iraqi governments and international institutions to:

i) cancel all debts incurred by Saddam Hussein;

ii) ensure Iraqi laws and practices embody ILO core conventions including tripartism and workers' rights, equality and religious tolerance; and

iii) reject privatisation of essential public services and vital resources such as oil.

A General Council explanation was given noting that the UN mandate for British troops to remain in Iraq runs out at the end of 2005, and that thereafter the views of the Iraqi government would need to be taken into account.

Emergency Resolution 5 Women in Iraq

Congress notes the draft Iraqi Constitution that was issued on the 23rd August and will now be subject to a national referendum.

Congress expresses its deepest concern over the proposed restrictions on womens civil rights due to the inclusion of provisions for religious codes within the draft Constitution, including Sharia law. Congress condemns the current and continuing rape, kidnapping and murder of women in Iraq for not conforming to religious social codes. Congress is concerned that the proscribed role for women in Iraqi society proposed in the draft Constitution will hinder the development and organisation of Iraqi women trade unionists.

Congress is also concerned that the recent Decree 875 issued by the Iraqi Council of Ministers seeks to overturn previous decisions regarding trade union rights. Congress believes that the issue of trade union freedom is vital for the future of Iraq and particularly for the future of working women.

Therefore Congress calls on the General Council to

i) work with all the trade union federations in Iraq including the IFTU, FWCUI, and GUOE and other relevant organisations to defend working women's rights in Iraq;

ii) campaign within the UK to highlight the issue of the restrictions on women's role in Iraqi society arising from the acceptance of the Constitution;

iii) work with women's groups in Iraq such as the Organisation for Women's Freedom in Iraq to publicise their concerns; and

iv) lobby the UK Government about the restrictions on trade union freedom arising from Decree 875.

A General Council explanation was given, especially regarding the third bullet point, which made clear that the TUC will work primarily with bona fides trade unions in Iraq.