Iraq - Gfiw Support

The trade union movement in Iraq is the victim of a continuing campaign of targeting, torture and murder of its officials. As recently as March 2007 the General Secretary of the Mechanic Workers Union was abducted and murdered. We call upon conference to condemn the continuing kidnappings, torture and murder of Iraqi Trade Union Officials, and demand that the General Secretary meets with the General Federation of Iraqi Workers so that the Fire Brigades Union may assist morally and materially in the following: 1. To make representation to the Iraqi authorities to ensure this recent outrage is fully investigated and that those responsible are detained and brought to justice. 2. That immediate steps are taken to ensure that the deliberate targeting of trade unionists is stopped. 3. To expose the inexplicable hostility from the US and Iraqi military forces towards Iraqi Trade Unionists. 4. That we join the GFIW in their bid for an apology for these unprovoked attacks, the return of confiscated items and financial compensation for damages caused. 5. That we assist the GFIW in making representation to those responsible for the freezing of all union assets. 6. That the Executive Council through the International Committee initiate a structured strategy to support the Trade Union movement in Iraq in consultation with the GFIW.