June 16, 2007
In 2005 US Labor leaders heard from Iraqi labor leaders for the first time. Since then there has been a growing solidarity between members of unions in Iraq and America.
VOICES OF IRAQI WORKERS SOLIDARITY TOUR
Saturday, June 16, 2007 IAM Hall, 357 Main Street Hartford
Speakers: Hashmeya Mohsen al Hussein — General Secretary — Iraq Electrical Utility Workers Union
Faleh Abood Umara — President — Iraq Federation of Oil Workers
Iraqi labor leaders tell of the struggles of Iraqi workers to the American people. Hear
firsthand what’s going on in Iraq and how workers are affected by this never ending war.
VOICES OF IRAQI WORKERS SOLIDARITY TOUR
This event was sponsored by Connecticut State Council of Machinists, Greater Hartford Central Labor Council and AFL-CIO, Connecticut Opposes the War (COW) and the American Friends Service Committee, US Labor Against the War.
Hashmeya Mohsen al Hussein — General Secretary — Iraq Electrical Utility Workers Union and Faleh Abood Umara — President — Iraq Federation of Oil Workers
Click here to find download information
Click here to listen to the speeches first the introductions then at 7:37 Union leaders begin. Their talk encompasses history, the US administration of George W. Bush and even the Nixon administration re interest in Iraq’s oil, and the ongoing efforts by Iraqi labor leaders to regain access to Iraqi jobs while preventing companies like KBR to privitize the oil industry. Both labor leaders speak of wanting peace.
Click here for the question and answer session. The Q&A incluldes statements by the Iraqis about US policy and the oil law, US Sen. Joseph Lieberman’s suggestion that the US attack Iran, and the status of Iraqi Kurds.
Overview: During introductions by local labor leaders and peace activists learned that US Labor Against the War has been in existence for about three and a half years. It was built by labor unions all around the country. In 2005 six Iraqi labor union leaders toured the US and thus began the process of building solidarity with American workers. One of the important dimensions of solidarity is international solidarity, the members explained, solidarity across borders, worker to worker. The organizers hope to gain further support from more labor unions nationally.
The topic of discussion was new oil laws for Iraq but an additional message was to those running the US occupation of Iraq: ‘Bring the Troops Home Now. That was our position then and it’s our position now. The best way to support our troops is to bring them home now. The money being spent on war could be much better spent in the United States’.
It is not generally known in this country that the Iraqi labor movement has a long and brilliant history. They played a central role in throwing out the British occupation. In 1958 their work led Iraqi society in attaining the high living standards, higher per capita than the US and the finest health care system in the Middle East. That labor movement was oppressed by Saddam Hussein and many were put in jail or went underground. Saddam Hussein’s laws against labor union organizing were retained under US occupation.
Iraqi oil workers recently led a limited strike against the attempt to privatize Iraqi oil with the hydrocarbon law and arrest warrants were made out. The oil workers have tremendous support from the Iraqi people. Support for the Iraqi labor leaders was so great that the government had to back off. Despite tremendous pressure Iraqi labor union activists are continuing to play an essential role in defending the Iraqi economy against total privatization.
â€The Iraqi oil workers said to KBR Go Out! And that’s what we will do again God willing!’ Hashmeya Mohsen al Hussein
At 18:00 the speakers abandoned the mikes due to feedback. In a few places harsh feedback was edited or softened. This does not interfere with the ability of English listeners to receive all words clearly however someone listening in Arabic may hear a broken word or fragmented word.
At 44:40 a question was asked about the status of the Kurds and possible conflict with Turkey. The person who asked it was too far away from the mike to be heard.