Recent Trade Union statements

Passed by Finsbury Park RMT on 02/09/04

This branch notes:
1. that the Blair administration took this country into war in Iraq on the basis of clear misinformation.
2. that an independent trade union movement is now developing in Iraq, but faces harassment both from the US/UK occupation authorities and from right-wing Iraqi forces.

Calls for: Self-determination and democracy for the peoples of Iraq, and withdrawal of US and UK troops.

Further believes: That the labour movement in Britain should support that new independent trade union movement, and not the Islamist or other right-wing militias in Iraq.

Urges: The Council of Executives to give active support to the TUC campaign in solidarity with the Iraqi trade unions called for by the NATFHE resolution to the TUC congress.

Resolves:

• To write to the British representatives of the Iraqi Federation of Trade Unions and of the Union of the Unemployed of Iraq, saying that we wish to assist them so far as is within our means, and inviting them to send speakers to future meetings of our branch.
• To submit the resolution above to the Regional Council.
• To seek contact and coordination with other RMT branches active in solidarity with the Iraqi trade unions.

Passed by Cambridge Trades Council 15/09/04

1)Cambridge and District TUC:

a) welcomes the passing by the TUC of a motion from NATFHE calling for the British trade union movement to maintain and strengthen contact with Iraqi trade unionists;
b) notes the existence of different trade union movements in Iraq, and believes that all movements should be supported in their struggle for existence, whilst differences of opinion should be discussed fraternally.

2) Cambridge and District TUC therefore resolves to:

a) Encourage financial support from local union branches for the Iraqi trade unions (through direct donations, or through US-based Iraqi Solidarity Workers Fund until an equivalent fund is set up in the UK.)
b) Encourage financial support for the ‘Khalil Shawqi Appeal’.
c) Pursue twinning with the Basra Trade Union Centre.
d) Encourage local union branches to invite speakers on behalf of the Iraqi trade unions.
e) Produce a leaflet for local use, calling for support for Iraqi trade unions and giving examples of support which can be provided.
f) Support other practical initiatives in support of Iraqi trade unions, resources permitting.

3) In order to implement this motion, Cambridge and District TUC agrees to set up a working group, operating under the name of the Trades Council and in line with Trades Council policies, but open to involvement by trade unionists in the Cambridge and District area.