Iraq Government Reverses Wage Cut Order, Agrees to Negotiate
with Workers
Following days of
demonstrations and strikes by thousands of workers, the Iraqi government
reversed its order to cut wages by up to 30% and eliminate many industrial labor
benefits. The authorities agreed to direct negotiations with the
representatives of the workers.
Workers were able to achieve a number of major
demands, such as stopping pay and
benefit cuts, and above all advancing the demand for
freedom of association and other labor rights that have been denied to Iraqi
workers both under the dictatorship and by the U.S./British occupation. The
government agreed to retroactive payment of the wage cuts put into effect and
to meet with worker representatives over other issues, such as workplace
hazards. The Parliament must now consider a labor rights law that recognizes,
respects and protects labor rights in conformity with International Labor
Organization standards.
More than 275
people responded within 48 hours to the urgent appeal USLAW sent to its
supporters asking them to sign electronic letters to the Iraqi Ambassador in
Washington DC and the Iraq representative to the UN in New York. Similar
efforts were mounted in other countries around the world. The combination of
determined courageous worker protests in the face of threats and violence and
international solidarity turned an attack on the living standards of workers
into a victory. However, promises are not the same as performance. We must be
ready to act again if the Iraqi government and parliament fail to follow
through.
Thanks to all those who responded by sending protest messages to the Iraqi government.
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