Baghdad, Iraq – Workers in Iraq have been met with violence and aggression from security forces during their protests for permanent jobs, leading to injuries, arrests, and widespread condemnation from labor unions in the country.
IndustriALL affiliates, including the General Federation of Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Unions in Iraq, the General Union of Oil Workers, and the General Union of Energy in Iraq, came together to denounce the use of rubber bullets and electric batons by security forces to disperse protesters. The unions hold the security services responsible for the injuries sustained by both male and female protesters and are calling for the immediate release of those detained.
The protests, which began on May 26th at the South Refineries Company, a part of the Ministry of Oil, were ignited by contract workers demanding permanent employment. Despite facing arrests and violence from security forces, the workers persisted in their demonstration, asserting their right to protest. The unions have voiced their displeasure with the forceful interventions and have urged the government to address the legitimate demands of the workers.
Workers employed under 315 contracts for several years have been left in uncertainty regarding their job security. Despite expectations of receiving permanent contracts at the end of their legal period, management failed to take the necessary steps to secure their employment. Union support has bolstered the workers’ protests, highlighting the urgent need for action from the Ministry of Oil.
Union leaders, including Hassan Jumaa, Abdelkareem Abdelsada, and Shaker Barad, have condemned the violence against protesters and called for accountability from both the security forces and company management. IndustriALL general secretary, Atle Høie, emphasized the importance of upholding the workers’ right to peaceful protest without fear of violence or repression. Solidarity has been shown to the injured workers and their families, with demands for the immediate release of those who were unjustly arrested.
The ongoing protests in Iraq serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by workers seeking fair treatment and job security in a tumultuous political and economic landscape. The condemnation of violence against peaceful demonstrators underscores the importance of protecting the rights of workers to organize and advocate for their demands.