09.12.2004

Iraq workers' conference

Statement of Federation of Workers Councils and Unions in Iraq

The open conference of workers in Basra has concluded successfully. On November 26 under the slogan, ‘The power of the working class is in its unity and organisation’, the open congress of workers in Basra took place, with participation of more than 200 representatives and labour activists of many labour unions, industrial workers and preparatory committees of labour unions. Main topics discussed included the role of the labour movement in ending the occupation and in determining the political future of Iraqi society.

Falah Alwan, president of the Federation of Workers Councils and Unions in Iraq (FWCUI), presented a speech on the freedom of trade unions, while Adul karim Al Sada presented his analysis on the unity of the working class and an assessment of the realities and current situation of the labour movement in Basra.

Qasim Hadi, general secretary of UUI, gave a speech about unemployment in Iraq after years of war and occupation. Yanar Mohamad spoke about the role of working women in the trade union movement and the position of women in the labour movement in Iraq. Nadia Mahmoud, member of the political bureau of the Worker-communist Party of Iraq, gave a speech about the activities of the FWCUI and UUI abroad and their influence on the political stands of the labour unions worldwide on the situation of the workers’ movement in Iraq. She also stressed the importance of international solidarity with the labour movement in Iraq.

There was a detailed discussion for more than four hours and there then followed the election of the executive board of the FWCUI. Many resolutions were approved by congress.

The congress reached a conclusion regarding the situation of the Iraqi people under the occupation, the interim government established by the US-led coalition in Iraq and the struggle of the civil resistance front against the occupation. The congress appealed to labour movement worldwide to support Iraqi workers and the Iraqi people in their struggle to end the occupation of Iraq.

Labour activists and union representative viewed this as an important congress in proposing a way forward for the labour movement in Iraq. The majority of the decisions were accepted by absolute votes of the participants. The results of the elections held were accepted as accurate.

Many solidarity letters sent to the conference from trade unions, political parties and labour activists worldwide were received, and short paragraphs of these letters were translated and read out to the delegates.

Participants regarded the congress as a success and a great step forward towards establishing real, independent labour unions independent of the government. Female representatives took an active role. A female labour activist, Kifah Hassan, was elected with an absolute majority of the votes.

The congress discussed many serious issues for the independent labour movement in Iraq: its tasks and responsibilities in ending the occupation: its role in the political future of country, in establishing freedom for trade unions and the unity of the working class.