[Onthebarricades] IRAQ: Oil workers claim victory as talks resume

[Andy]

Iraqi Oil Workers Claim Tactical Victory as Negotiations Resume and
Ministry of Oil Rebuked

PRESS RELEASE
Monday 11th June 2007

Dear all,

Below is the full translation of a message received today, Monday 11
June 2007, from Hassan Juma'a, president of the Federation of Oil
Union (IFOU) declaring a tactical victory in the ongoing struggle of
Iraqi oil workers.

On behalf of Naftana, we would like to extend our thanks to all, from
across the world, who have campaigned and written to express
solidarity with the oil workers and the IFOU. Naftana will continue to
relay news of the oil workers in their struggle to improve living and
working conditions, assert trade union rights and protect Iraq's oil
from the proposed oil law, championed by the occupation governments. 

Naftana

Full text of message:

"Warm greetings, 
We would like to inform you of the latest developments in the oil
workers strike in the south.

Finally the workers have won in demanding their legitimate rights.
That is why an enlarged meeting was held with his excellency the
minister of State for the Parliament Affairs lasting five hours
resulting in the cessation of all the failings resulting from the
conduct of the Iraqi Ministry of Oil and the irresponsible stance of
the oil minister. Most of the issues within the remit of the prime
minister were dealt with.

The meeting was very successful, because the minister represented the
prime minister. The activation of the committee formed by the prime
minister to deal with the outstanding problems was affirmed. And after
deliberations within our union, the two sides agreed to halt the
strike and to use dialogue in dealings to resolve the outstanding
issues. On the other hand, all problems were presented to His Eminence
Sayyid Sistani, and the Iraqi ministry of oil was reprimanded for its
improper conduct.

Therefore, we would like to say to all that the workers will is
indestructible. The workers can achieve what they want by the means
available to them and their strength. And the oil workers are very
strong, because they have a legitimate right. The workers have scored
a third victory in demanding their rights.

Long live the Iraqi working class.

Regards,
Hassan Juma'a Awwad
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