Iraqi trade union leader kidnapped, tortured and murdered (30/5/2006) Brussels, 30 March 2006 (ICFTU OnLine): In the latest brutal attack against the Iraqi trade union movement, the General Federation of Iraqi Workers (GFIW) has reported the kidnapping and murder of ... [More]
The ICEM General Secretary Brother Fred Higgs sent a letter of condolences to the family of the late brother Thabet and to all trade union activists in Iraq.
Ref: ICEM06/ENGC/46
1 June 2006
Abdullah Muhsin
London Representative
IFTU
London
United Kingdom
Dear Brother Muhsin,
The ICEM learned that Brother Thabet Hussein Ali, leader of the General Union for Health Sector Workers, part of the General Federation of Iraqi Workers (GFIW), was murdered in the latter days of April. We are saddened by this cowardly act occurrence, and the ICEM wishes to convey sincere condolences to all trade union activists in Iraq.
The establishment of free and democratic trade unions in Iraq, representing the interests of workers across all sectors of society, is necessary, as you know, in the immediate steps of nation building anywhere. I am sure that Brother Thabet Hussein Ali was fully involved in such a noble cause, and this is how the ICEM’s 389 affiliates in 122 countries will remember him.
The ICEM is fully cognizant that neither cowardly displays of murder, such as that carried out on our comrade, nor a country that is occupied by troops of other nations will fulfil the promise of security and enriched lives for workers in Iraq. Institutions such as legitimate trade unions must thrive in order that this happen.
Again, on behalf of the 20 million trade unionists who work in ICEM sectors across the world, we wish to extend our deepest condolences to the trade union leaders and to the people of Iraq for the tragic and senseless death of Comrade Thabet Hussein Ali.
Fraternally,
Fred Higgs
General Secretary