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The oil minister must stop his
animus practices against the workers
Once again the Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani, has issued an
arbitrary decision by relocating a number of labour leaders and
activists in the oil sector in Basra.
Imad Mohsen Jaafar; Executive bureau member of Oil Federation and
chairman of the Oil drilling Union in North Rumaila, Safaa Gaber;
media relations secretary of the oil drilling union in Northern
Rumaila, Mohammed Abdullah Ateeq; Executive bureau member of Oil
Federation and chairman of the Oil drilling Union in Albirjsiya, and
Abdelbaki Rady Nabhan media relations secretary of the oil drilling
union in Albirjsiya have received a notice of relocation in the wake
of organizing and leading a labor demonstration last July in front
of the headquarters of the Iraqi Drilling Company in Albirjsiya to
claim the entitlements of workers, including benefits and bonuses.
It is not the only nor is it the last decision issued by al-Shahristani
and his fellow cabinet members, known for their hostility to the
workers. In the near past, he issued a decree relocating or
arresting a number of labor leaders, after organizing protests
against the draft oil and gas law. The Minister of Industry has also
issued a decree in which he banned trade unions activity in the
public sector. As well as the many attempts by a number of
pro-Islamic MP's to prevent freedom of expression...
The persistent attempts of the Minister of Oil, his fellow cabinet
members and the Iraqi parliament in suppressing freedom and human
rights is mainly intended to prevent the emergence of a strong
protestant movement, a movement that seek a better living conditions
for workers and all Iraqis. Mr. Hussein al-Shahristani and his
fellow cabinet members of Maliki's government are working tirelessly
for the suppression of freedom of association and human rights in
order to cover up the corruption that is eating away every corner of
the government
The democracy that is being bragged about by AlMaliki government
does not exceed its militia and affiliated sectarian gangs who tend
to control the wealth of society. Therefore any decision issued by
AlMaliki government and al-Shahristani, in suppressing trade union
freedoms is an illegal and a flagrant violation of human rights and
freedoms.
Iraq Freedom Congress condemns the Minister's decision and demands
to rescind it immediately. IFC also calls on all freedom lovers in
Iraq and around the world to denounce and condemn the ruling of al-Shahristani,
and calls to put pressure on the government to stop these inhuman
practices
Iraq Freedom Congress
3.9.2009 |
