The Iraqi Federation of trade Unions reported today: "Railway Workers in Basra have been engaged in continuous, all-out strike action since the beginning of January 2005, resulting in the cessation of all Rail Transport from Basra. The strike began as a result of the previously reported attacks on Transport workers (see: IFTU condemns further acts of terrorism against Iraqi railway workers December 30, 2004 http://www.iraqitradeunions.org/archives/000123.html), including the recent kidnapping of 7 train drivers and the beating and harassment of others by criminals, terrorists and brigands.
The IFTU has issued a statement (29 December 2004), which:
A) condemns these criminal acts and supports the demands of the transport
workers for adequate security protection on all land transport, especially rail transport;
B) calls on the government to carry out its duty to protect workers from
attacks and to provide a safe working environment;
C) urges the government to take urgent steps to secure the immediate
release of the kidnapped workers and their safe return to their families and workplaces.
The IFTU urgently calls on all international labour movement bodies to send messages of support to the Iraqi Railway Workers' Union (via the address below) and to join the IFTU in demanding security for Transport workers.
- statement ends -
Solidarity messages to Iraqi Federation of Trade Unions (IFTU):
International Representative,
c/o UNISON,
1 Mabledon Place,
London WC1H 9AJ.
Tel’: 00 44 79 76 84 68 68
Email: abdullahmuhsin@iraqitradeunions.org