TGWU Broad Left discusses Iraq

A meeting of the TGWU Broad Left on 30 October discussed Iraq. This report is not an official one, but one widely circulated by email among TGWU members.
An excellent debate was held on Iraq following the crisis in the Stop the War Coaltion (StWC). Everyone shares Mick Rix's concerns at the StWC officers' statement which attacked the UK trade unions for the way they voted at the Labour party Conference and accused Abdullah Muhsin and the IFTU of "collaborating" with the occupation. The final sentence had foolishly supported Iraqi resistance "by whatever means necessary" - a phrase which implies support for kidnappings, beheadings, car bombs etc. (We were informed that the StWC web-site version omitted this last sentence following criticism).
We had a very detailed account of how and why the TGWU delegation to Labour Conf voted in the way they did. To paraphrase Len McCluskey's account; a genuine debate took place, Abdullah Muhsin's caution about immediate withdrawal because of the implications for civil society in Iraq had considerable influence; Composite 6 which called for early withdrawal was obviously going to fall and some other Unions were going to vote against it; TGWU did what it could to avoid Composite 5 passing which would have congratulated Blair; the NEC statement represented the best outcome for us and although backing UN Resolution 1564 (for the troops to stay until after elections next year) did not in any way support Blair over the war; the "spin" put on the vote by the Government implied (wrongly) that the Unions with the rest of Conference had backed Blair.
Everyone accepted that explanation and there was no criticiism of the delegation, but most people present believed that the TGWU's official position should not be support for UN Resolution 1546 but should maintain the TUC Congress position on a "speedy withdrawal" of occupation troops. The IFTU should not be criticised for their position of supporting UN res 1546 - that's their democratic right.
There was strong support for the view that the StWC has been a tremendously successful organisation which has mobilised people against the war in Iraq, now the mainstream view in the UK. It is too important to allow to collapse through division, particularly when we should be uniting in public opposition to the impending onslaught in Fallujah and the increasing involvement of UK troops in what is being termed ""another Vietnam". The differences must be resolved between the StWC officers and the Trade Unions. We need:
a) an apology for Abdullah Muhsin for the personal attack on him which potentially puts his life in danger
b) an assurance that no further attacks on the UK and Iraqi trade unions occurs
c) more consultation and improved accountability within StWC to prevent such ill-considered and divisive statements in future
d) unity around the end to violence against Iraqi people and the imminent bloodbath in Fallujah
e) real practical solidarity support for the Iraqi trade unions
On the last point it was reported that Brendan Barber is being lobbied to hold a special TUC Conference on Iraq in the New Year. We should support that call and mobilise the UK trade union movement to give practical assistance to the Iraqi trade union organisations (not just the IFTU). This intitiative should be rolled out to the Region TUC's and local Trades Councils.
Regarding our own involvement in StWC, it is not at present clear to us whether any affiliation fee has been paid (if not it should be) but we believe we are a recognised affiliate. We should actively take up our rightful position on the Steering Committee and use our influence to reform the internal structures appropriately in the light of the StWC Officers' statement.

Martin Mayer