Iraqi Labor Leaders Address U.S. Communications Workers Union Staff

Communications Workers Of America(CWA) - AFL-CIO
Iraqis Fighting to Rebuild National Labor Movement
June 20, 2005

"Our fundamental goal is a progressive, modern, civilized labor law that guarantees workers' rights," said Falah Alwan, president of the Federation of Workers' Councils and Unions of Iraq. "We have an incredible opportunity to build a progressive, independent labor movement that could be a model for the entire Middle East." Adnan Rashed, an executive officer and leader of the Union of Mechanics, Printing and Metals Workers said, "We have modest and simple resources yet an iron will to rebuild our labor movement."

The two men are among six Iraqi trade union leaders touring the country. They met Monday with AFL-CIO President John Sweeney and spent an hour with CWA President Morton Bahr on Tuesday, before making a lunchtime presentation to CWA staff.

Like workers around the world, key issues for Iraqis include higher wages, better working conditions, safety and health protections and threats of privatization - in Iraq's case, the oil industry. But the issues are even more complicated for Iraqis because of the chaos and security problems.

Still, the leaders believe that with backing from workers around the world, they can be successful. "We can't do this alone," Alwan says. "We're all in the same situation and we need your support and solidarity."

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