Message of solidarity with the GFIW

Message of Solidarity

with the General Federation of Iraqi Workers (GFIW)

The General Federation of Iraqi Workers (GFIW) is facing a fierce attack by the authorities and government, up to the point of organizing sham elections that are dictated by the Higher Ministerial Committee overseeing the implementation of Governing Council decree No.3 of 2004. This attack has been combined with grave restrictions imposed on legitimate members of GFIW and preventing them from entering its headquarters over recent days. Such blatant official and political interference runs contrary to the most basic rules of trade union work, in addition to violating Iraqi and international laws and conventions that regulate it.

The Committee of the Iraqi Democratic Current in the UK condemns in the strongest terms these blatant violations. We call upon all Arab and international organizations and institutions to raise their voices and demand a halt to the policy of acquisition and undermining the independence of trade union work in Iraq, manipulating it to serve the interests of those in power. While demanding an end to these repressive measures, we also call for the unity of all trade unions and workers’ federations in their struggle to enact a new Labor Law that meets the legitimate interests and rights of Iraqi workers.

Committee of the Iraqi Democratic Current – UK

10^th July 2012