Union of Unemployed in Nasirya Is Invited As a Member of the Energy Employees Negotiation Striking Team

In July 17, 2005 the energy employees' workers went on strike despite all attempts made by the management to break the strike issuing threats to a number of workers. The trade union committee requested that the union of unemployed represented by Ahmed Salem, who is also the Federation of Worker Councils and Unions FWCUI representative, must participate in the negotiation with the authorities in the governorate of Nasirya. The union handed out his pamphlet declaring the solidarity with the strikers and asked the other industries sectors and people of Nasirya to stand by the workers, the statement that echoed widely among the workers.

The strike had turned to a mass demonstration who marched towards the city hall building protesting against the power outage. Also they demanded the manager to resign because of his involvement in corruption and the complaints were presented as:

1. Operating the station equipment illegally for the Russian Company for 8 hours a day in exchange of $70/hour in cash.

2. The lunch room that belongs to the employees of the station has been occupied by the Russian company whereas the workers were forced to have their lunch out under the burning sun with no health standards too.

3. purchasing a vehicle for about $20000 to serve the managers personal purposes

4. Purchasing some no good for use equipments because the contractor is one of the manager's relatives.

5. high expenses for very little jobs

6. Many employees suffer from the lack of housing while the station has so many housing caravans were dedicated to the employees and used by the management in spite of the management having his own building.

7. Hiring unqualified people just because they are pro-Alsadir whereas there are many qualified graduates were denied the jobs.

8. the advertisement of non existing contracts

In response the mayor requested to meet with the delegation and they reached up to an agreement stating:

1. Freezing the current manger and hiring temporarily his second in command.

2. Forming an inquiry committee to investigate all accusation made by the workers and submits its report in a week period starting from July 19, 2005.

Union of Unemployed in Nasirya

July 18, 2005