Iraqi Federation of Trade Union (IFTU)
We received the sad news of the assassination of Hadi Saleh the trade union leader who was a very significant patriotic figure who struggled for trade union rights in Iraq.
The Iraqi, the Arab and the International labour movement have lost a courageous trade union leader who spent his life fighting for democratic and human rights values in Iraq. He was a key campaigner for trade union rights and fought to rebuild a new independent and free trade union movement.
Hadi Saleh spared no effort in his determination to see Iraq free, sovereign and democratic and the master of its own wealth and resources.
We strongly condemn this act of cowardice and stress that the ILO will continue to support your struggle for a free and independent Iraqi trade union movement; to consolidate the IFTU structure as it campaigns on behalf of Iraqi working people and as a significant participant in the rebuilding of Iraq.
The ILO wish to pass on, through your federation, the Iraqi Federation of Trade Unions (IFTU), its deepest condolences to the family of Hadi Saleh, to the people and the workers of Iraq.
May God rest the martyred Hadi Saleh in his heaven and may his family find peace and solace.
Talib Al Rifai, Regional Director ILO
Walid Hamdan, ILO Regional Workers’ Director
6 January 2005