Abstención: 23. Camp Taji, Iraq – also referred to as Camp Cooke among its inhabitants – is one of the military bases located in the immediate proximity of Baghdad – only 30 km far from it. But it is important also that unions operate through their Global Union Federations, so that unions can interact with those Iraqi organisations closest to the ground, to diminish the appearance of working too closely with the occupying powers and so that sectoral organisations are strengthened in Iraq. An Iraq where no one is marginalised on the basis of race, religion or political views. They represent the true spirit of Iraq - urban, prosperous and tolerant. It would be useful to know of any individual union funds. There were also problems of co-coordinating with NGOs, a problem that she thought would get worse once the GUFs /NGOs were able to spend more of their time operating inside Iraq. The current situation allows for more democracy and pluralism but the state is finding it difficult to ‘let go’. In September 2003 US officials said they planned to reopen parts of the Green Zone to civilian traffic in October 2003 to reduce the zone's disruption to Baghdad's traffic. This was a huge success - people who had been expelled from the union or had left through fear began returning: 30,000 teachers have returned to their jobs. It gathered Arab unionists including Iraqis, together with the ICFTU, the ILO, the Friedrich Ebert Foundation and the European Union. However, in Iraq, we should keep in mind that we are dealing with a situation that has been described as ‘tough and lethal’. The Green Zone, a 10 square kilometre area in central Baghdad, has been partially open to the public since 10 December 2018 for a two-week trial period that was likely to become permanent. The TUC Iraq Solidarity Committee has the following membership and terms of reference, Want to hear about our latest news and blogs? The International Zone was also home to Saddam's man-eating lions, which have since been moved to the Iraqi National Zoo. This morning we will concentrate on the first part of that, because people will want to hear from our Iraqi colleagues and others about the situation. Pre-occupation there was only one newspaper - Ba’athist propaganda - but now there are approximately 115 newspapers. Curiously, nobody thought of changing its name, which celebrates the inception of Baathist rule. The elections present the beginnings of real possibilities for change with, in relation to the foreign troops, Iraq and its Parliament defining what they want. It was felt that although the situation was confusing it was not discouraging. A wider American withdrawal would also enable Iran to deepen its influence in Iraq, where it already has strong political, economic and security ties forged since the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003. Instead, the exchange works with units to support smaller, soldier-managed stores in outlying camps. Newspapers are obviously very important in any society, but probably more so for Iraq in its current position. When the bridge was closed, people had to spend an extra twenty minutes to drive around the river. Participants discussed obstacles at different levels and ways to implement recommended practices. Iraq 109 connections. IRAN’S INFLUENCE COULD DEEPEN. Most old-wave journalists have returned from exile; they come mainly from intellectual/literary backgrounds. Several British trade unionists complained that the spread of representation was confusing - because that’s one facet of the reality of trade unionism in Iraq. And let’s not forget that many Iraqis still fight what they consider to be the continued occupation of their country, and the concomitant impediment to security, prosperity and progress. It is […] The first step in this direction should be the adoption of a new Iraqi labour code in full respect with the international labour standards and in consultation with Trade Unions. (2 SHOTS) 1.39 6. In using Iraqi journalists, News Agencies where not providing them with insurance nor providing adequate security; and. 'British workers benefit from the rights that trade unions have won and the protection we offer against bad bosses. We are dealing with a society that is fighting against both old and new tyrannies; against brutal and inhuman practices that actively aim to kill the hope of all those who dare to believe in a better future for Iraq. The Center had already conducted programmes in Amman, Jordan and in Kurdistan and provided the following: Unison have been working with Iraqi and Kurdish trade unions and the IFTU since July 2004 in the following areas: It was said that we must respond to need, not inflict our way of thinking. But clearly there is a need for materials which will help unions to function, such as: 9 It would be very useful to be able to develop a shopping list of all these materials with prices, so that it is easier to solicit donations and sponsorship (people like to know what their solidarity money will buy), develop funding applications and so on. Log In. The event was organised in close collaboration with four GUFs: the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (IFBWW), Public Services International (PSI) and the International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation (ITGLWF). The unions need training in industrial relations as well as computers and mobiles. US MRAP on FOB Union III, Baghdad, Iraq during a dust storm. But this step would make security even more difficult for top US officials here. Información sobre la normativa aplicable a los productos, sobre el acceso de las empresas de la UE a los mercados extranjeros y sobre cómo exportar a la UE Unison have flown people to the UK for training, visits and meetings (this is expensive, but can perform awareness raising and link-building roles as well as training); other organisations like the ICFTU have carried out training in Amman, Jordan (and it is possible that Kuwait City would be a useful venue for Basra trade unionists) or in Kurdistan. Army planners expected to finish by 15 March 2004. The base is used by the coalition forces in Iraq and not just by the United States of America. About. Iraqi delegates emphasised the suffering and destruction the war and occupation had brought despite the welcome toppling of Saddam and the need for the occupying troops to leave Iraq. Investment in Kurdistan was needed to rebuild infrastructure and to provide jobs and technology: not just ‘Oil for Food’. Latest Entries Winners. The TUC has a history of developing analysis and research to inform economic and employment-related issues. The glass in the windows has been replaced. In part, it has proved difficult to obtain clear information about what Iraqi trade unionists would find useful, not least because of the very confused nature of events. Union fights deportation of NUJ member. But freedom of organisation and association are threatened by terrorists as we saw with the terrible murder of Hadi Saleh. The TUC will also be proposing that British unions twin with their sister organisations in Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan. The conference looked at the relative lack of influence the GUFs and ICFTU had in the Arab world. The UK Government is a key donor to the UN Mine Action Service’s demining efforts in Iraq, having provided £15.7million since 2018. The tradition of TUC training, of delivery direct to workplace reps near to their home is obviously difficult for security reasons (and logistics, and in terms of presentation), so it would be fair more sensible to pull potential trainers into Amman, Kuwait City or Erbil for example, and provide them with trainer training so that they can then deliver the training themselves. A full service laundry operation was also in the works. Hangaw Abdulla Khan - President of Kurdish Union Federation, Zuhair lal-Jazairy - Journalists’ Union and Editor of Al Mahda newspaper, Falah Alwan - President of the Federation of Workers’ Councils and Unions of Iraq, Jabar Faris - General Federation of Iraqi Trade Unions, Hassan Jumaa al Jawad - President of the Basra Oil Workers Union, Ghasib Hassan - President of the Railway and Aviation Union (IFTU). The Federation had problems with some articles and these reservations would be put to the ICFTU and ILO. Due to the numerous Iraqi Interim Government entities occupying space within the Zone, traffic and population has increased. Ali stressed that his union was non-political and boasted 400,000 members, 75,000 in Baghdad. Check exchange rates, send cash abroad and more. The International Zone (formerly known as the Green Zone) was the heavily guarded diplomatic/government area of closed-off streets in central Baghdad where US occupation authorities live and work. British colleagues were invited to visit schools and institutions in Iraq to see how reconstruction was progressing. Amaya also referred to a recent seminar/conference in Amman where Iraqi delegates were briefed on the draft of the new Iraqi labour code by ILO officials who were responsible for its production; thereby helping to widen the feedback on the draft code. The visits would serve a useful purpose in themselves, just making the unions come together to receive delegates in Iraq is actually constructive. This prompted a number of interventions concerning: Zuhair Al-Jazairy of the Iraqi Journalists’ Union referred to a number of needs/problems faced by members of his industry: He called for the twinning of Iraqi papers with those in Britain - again to address a training need, and he also called for a greater involvement of women in the industry. The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has now visited both Basra and Kurdistan three times. Credit card donations can be made through the TUC website and will attract tax rebates. Green Zone. There is a ‘hidden militia’, i.e. In January 2006, the Iraqi army took over control of FOB Honor from U.S. forces in another transfer of authority of U.S. bases to Iraqi control. Oil imports represented €13,0 billion, up to 99.6% of all EU imports from Iraq. Labour weakness in the initial stages of democratisation may have profound political implications. Special attention was given to Iraq and representatives of the main Iraqi trade unions were invited to present the latest developments and union actions in Iraq. There is also a threat from the US military, if you are seen as anti-Iraqi-journalists. there were no structures within the GUFs/ICFTU to articulate a distinctive Arab trade union voice; Arab trade union involvement in the GUFs was very limited; and. He was told that it was going to be put to the incoming assembly for ratification. expertise and training in organising were important. And, the troopers of the Air Defense Artillery Battery, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, based at Dragoon Forward Operating Base were no exception. Although they were initially looking at providing ICT support, they hit upon a number of practical problems such as the need for Arabic keyboards (not common in the UK). The battery spent two weeks at Camp Udari, Kuwait drawing equipment, downloading home-station vehicles and preparing for the convoy into Iraq. Name. Legislación; DOUE. "They will last longer if we take care of them." Since taking over, the battery has already cycled through three weeks of conducting Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) escorts and one week of Forward Operation Base (FOB) security of Camp Steel Dragon. The Ba’athist laws continue. There can be no free and independent trade unions without free and independent media and there is no guarantee of this - 'one person’s terrorist is another person’s freedom fighter.'. Journalists have been shot by US snipers, dubbed ‘unknown killers’ and no investigations take place. whether the call for the immediate withdrawal of troops was consistent with the desire to improve the lot of Iraqis in general and help to support a free and democratic trade union movement in Iraq; and, that worthy as it was to support the trade union movement, several British delegates thought that the more burning needs of the Iraqi people were for the basics of life such as clean water, electricity and medicine. Iraq War, also called Second Persian Gulf War, (2003–11), conflict in Iraq that consisted of two phases. This conference is about building practical solidarity with Iraqi and Kurdish trade unions, and by the end of the day, we want you to leave here informed about what is going on in Iraqi trade unionism and in Iraqi workplaces, and enthused with ideas about what you and your union can do. It was almost self-sufficient, and staff working there can be treated in the compound's hospital or run safely in its grounds. The 200-foot-tall hotel stands hundreds of yards from the high, earth-filled barriers ringing that section of the zone. Ali responded that the union had collapsed with the regime and everything stolen or destroyed. Iraq imposed more than 100 death penalties in 2019, according to data by Amnesty International, doubling the number of more than 52 executions in 2018. This has created a no go zone for Iraqis and has allowed the attackers to push the US into a fortress that tends to separate U.S. personnel from the Iraqis. Check point 2/FOB Union 3 is located in Baghdad. A bomb attack in central Baghdad on 13 November 2003 prompted the coalition to close the Bridge. We need to be deciding for ourselves how we want the union to develop. We call on the Iraqi government to recognise the principle of freedom of association. The Green Zone appears under siege, with barriers, high concrete walls and checkpoints. Unlike the dining facility at nearby Al Rasheed Hotel, which has its meals delivered from the Coalition Provisional Authority palace dining facility, the 2nd ACR facility has its own kitchen and culinary crew contracted through KBR. ITF’s work in the region had been transformed after a conference of the ICFTU. All news about Iraq At a Glance 2021 Projected Real GDP (% Change) : -12.1 The new dining facility also serves nearby soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division and attached personnel, such as civil affairs units. There was a change of leadership after discovery of financial corruption and of government involvement in the selection of new committee members. During the Iran-Iraq war, Iraq diversified its arms sales by purchasing arms from France, China, Brazil, South Africa and the United States. Khan appealed to trade unionists in Britain to support the movement in Iraq Kurdistan. This was the first transfer of authority within the Green Zone and increased the Iraqi forces presence and role in operations in central Baghdad. Iraq like all civilised societies believes in pluralism, but it also needs some restrictions to prevent the return of the Ba’athists. But the tall concrete walls and barbed wire that have closed off the Green Zone for years are finally coming down. The territorial claims symbolized by each were replaced by the fluttering of just one: The Iraqi state’s. NATO Mission Iraq (NMI) is a non-combat training and advisory mission founded on partnership and inclusivity as well as on full respect for Iraq’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. The Soviet Union intervened in support of the Afghan communist government in its conflict with anti-communist Muslim guerrillas during the Afghan War (1978–92) and remained in … It was not the biggest retail outlet in Baghdad, but by September 2003 soldiers wearing every unit patch in the city had shopped at Camp Dragoon's CavMart. Más de 200 países y territorios. The 14th of July Street (Arbataash Tamuz Street) which runs over the 14th of July Bridge (Arbataash Tamuz Bridge) runs between the Presidential Palace and the New Presidential Palace, both of which were in use by the Coalition Provisional Authority. A first international trade union mission*, has returned from a 10-day fact finding mission in Iraq. Colleagues, I welcome you here today to the TUC. Pulling guard duty was something nearly every soldier does at some point during a deployment. Additionally, the Warriors have defended Camp Steel Dragon with 6 weeks of FOB Security. delivered a pilot training programme for six organisers in November 2004, assisted by a grant from the Westminster Foundation for Democracy; a full training programme scheduled for later this year for 60-100 organisers over an 18 month period, taking place in Amman, Kuwait and UK. Hassan Jawad stressed the importance of assistance reaching all - the railway union in Baghdad had received support but not in Basra. Hi/Low, RealFeel®, precip, radar, & everything you need to be ready for the day, commute, and weekend! The pool will contain a whirlpool and be heated. Credit: Maj. Charlie Dietz/Planetpix/Alamy Live News This had led to materials being translated and a number of conferences/seminars being held. The living conditions in our FOBs were getting better daily. SAIC has a contingent opportunities for Senior Network Admin/Site Leads to support an Army customer in Iraq. The unions also face the problem of rip-off capitalism being imposed as it was in Russia after the fall of communism. It is still fighting against poverty, unemployment, exclusion, reduced social protection and diminished sovereignty and respect for human rights. Everyone here knows their history from how the Labour Representation Committee was formed when initially only two Labour MPs were elected, the Taff Vale and Osborne judgements against the trade unions and so on. We insisted on the involvement of the ILO. After having assessed the situation faced by Iraqi workers and trade unionists, the ICFTU has firmly committed to: The ICFTU is currently running an awareness raising campaign among Iraqi workers about international core labour rights, namely those embodied in the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at work. They have since provided the IFTU with computers and financial support. fax machines, computers. a clearer understanding of the position and needs of workers; delegates agreed to overcome their own internal and organisational divisions and to work together to protect their common rights; some participants proposed to gather all federations into a unique group. an understanding that it is workers’ responsibility, rather than government’s, to organise workers; Jim Catterson, International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers’ Unions (ICEM). The conference area and outside courtyard were reported to be nice. The shower trailers, with heated water and air conditioning, were now up and operational as of 27 August. League. Required Trophies. In an analysis on 01 September 2003 ["After Najaf: The Emerging Patterns of Combat in the Iraq War"] Anthony H. Cordesman stated that "a critical mistake [was] made by ORHA and carried on by the CPA by creating US security zones around US headquarters in central Baghdad. Journalism is still considered a good profession, especially for women. The main question facing all Iraqi unions is whether they are for or against privatisation. In 2017, the EU accounts for 18,5% of the total Iraqi trade, compared to 22,1% for China, 15,1% for India, 11,6% for the United States, 11,2% for Turkey, and 7,8% for South Korea. This can receive funds through cheques, bank transfers, credit card and cash. The first meeting between the ICFTU, its affiliates, the Global Union Federations (GUFs) and Iraqi unionists took place in Jordan in December 2003, facilitated by the ILO. tribal and religious groups that target newspapers and staff. Nathan.Andrew.Bailey has uploaded 348 photos to Flickr. Clan War Trophies. The union had shed its Ba’athist association post-Saddam. He said the money had been distributed to the five governance areas to assist in building capacity. The TUC held a conference on 14 February 2005 which brought the British trade union movement into direct contact with a wide range of trade unionists from Iraq. Companies, when criticised, can hire militias to target media personnel. Report this profile; About. Trade unions in the public sector are technically illegal and there is a need for new laws to allow trade union activity. 11 Training in trade union issues has long been identified as one of the major contributions that the British trade union movement can offer. The point was made again that if all figures were believed union density would be above 100%. Our Maintenance section was by far the most experienced in Iraq. FOB Steel Dragon was in the "Green Zone" section of Baghdad. Business service in Stockholm, Sweden. Being in the Green Zone in Baghdad provides a limited possibility to meet regular Iraqi people. The burning issue was to help the Iraqi trade union movement to organise and that whatever federation ultimately 'triumphed' was a matter for Iraqi workers. But then there was a series of coups and counter-coups which led to Saddam’s totalitarian state and his controlled yellow unions. Eight Iraqi trade unionists addressed the conference and led the first three workshops; they described the current situation in Iraq and called for solidarity and support from British trade unions to rebuild the Iraqi trade union movement. Forgotten account?  the working week was defined as 48 hours based on an Iraqi labour code which went back to 1936 - they suggested that 35 hours would be more reasonable. During this period, villages were destroyed, causing a mass exodus of young people. a conference and workshops on human rights, organised by the Ministry of Culture. Archive: 01-28-2003 2003 State of the Union - Bush prepares to invade Iraq pt 3 The union had begun completely anew with voluntary help from members. to report to the TUC Executive Committee periodically and directly to TUC affiliates about its work and the needs of the Iraqi trade union movement. In keeping with the motto of the Regiment, RHHT was "Always Ready" to make things easier for all at Camp Dragoon. We are also considering the possibility of conducting further workshops in Iraqi Kurdistan. Responsible for providing technical and operational support for managing, monitoring and maintaining situational awareness of networks. Membership stands at 100,000 (card holders). The general feeling of UK delegates was that we should be prepared to work with any bona fide representatives of Iraqi labour. 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