7 January 2005
The GMB were saddened to hear of the torture and murder of Brother Hadi Saleh. The loss of a courageous trade unionist at such an important time in Iraq’s development is a harsh blow to the future of a free trade union movement in Iraq. The GMB would also like to pass on its condolences to Brother Saleh’s family.
This vicious murder is an attack on the right of Iraqi workers to trade union representation. It is aimed at destabilising and undermining the development of trade unions as cornerstones of development and respect for human rights.
Brother Saleh fought for a democratic, peaceful and federal Iraq, which would unite all Iraqis regardless of their background, ethnicity or religion. He championed workers’ rights to organise to achieve decent jobs, pay and working conditions.
The GMB reaffirms its solidarity with the struggling workers of Iraq. We will continue to work with the IFTU and others in the international trade union movement to bring about Brother Saleh’s dream of building an authentic workers' movement in Iraq.
The GMB will therefore call on Iraq’s interim government to offer proper protection to workers and their trade unions. Allowing them the freedom and opportunity to grow and contribute to the development of Iraq’s fragile society.
Yours fraternally
Kevin B Curran
General Secretary