Iraqi oil Minister transfers union activists

Iraqi oil workers
Iraqi oil workers

The Iraqi Oil minister, Hussein Al-Shahirstani, had ordered the transfer of 8 Oil Union activists to Baghdad's Al-Dorah neighborhood (known for worsening security situation, and high level of sectarian killings). In the context of Iraqi security situation such a transfer is rightfully regarded as a human rights violation.

Submitted by redemma on June 6, 2008

The Iraqi Oil minister, Hussein Al-Shahirstani, had ordered the transfer of 8 Oil Union activists.

They used to work at the Oil refineries in the south. This act represents the minister's anti-union policy, and lack of respect for Unions and Unions' activists in the Oil sector.

Those activists, through their hard work, are well known for fighting corruption and corrupt-ministry gangs in the Oil sector.

They have been transfered to Baghdad Al-Dorah neighborhood (known for worsening security situation, and high level of sectarian killings) .

In the context of Iraqi security situation such a transfer is rightfully regarded as Human rights crime.

We call upon all good-will people in the world to take a stance and denounce these despicable and criminal acts by the Iraqi Oil ministry against Trade Unions and their activists.

The trade unions have been reestablished and revitalized through the hard work of union activists without any protection from the state, which keeps bragging about democracy.

This act is a clear evidence that the Iraqi state is after liquidating Trade Unions in this important Iraqi economic sector, Oil. It is important to note that the south is the main source of Oil in Iraq.

The oil sector there comprises more than 39 thousand workers.

The Iraqi state had no intention of having an Oil trade Union in that sector because it represents a threat to its authority.

We call upon you from all parts of the world to stand with us, for the sake of labor and workers interests.

Respectfully, Hassan Juma Awad, IFOU

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