As previously reported, oil workers in the southern Basra region of Iraq have protested against the government on a range of issues, from non payment of benefits to corruption. The head of the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions, Mr Hassan Juma’a Awad, has now been charged by the authorities accused of organizing a strike and demonstration. This is a clear case of attempting to criminalise the right of workers to organise for better pay and conditions. Mr. Awad is now facing a possible five year jail sentence. Given the uprisings in the region, it is crucial that workers internationally support the Iraqi oil workers.
No to union repression! To strike is not a crime.
As previously reported, oil workers in the southern Basra region of Iraq have protested against the government on a range of issues, from non payment of benefits to corruption. The head of the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions, Mr Hassan Juma’a Awad, has now been charged by the authorities accused of organizing a strike and demonstration. This is a clear case of attempting to criminalise the right of workers to organise for better pay and conditions. Mr. Awad is now facing a possible five year jail sentence. Given the uprisings in the region, it is crucial that workers internationally support the Iraqi oil workers.
No to union repression! To strike is not a crime.
