Over the past year, the AFL-CIO has consistently emphasized the need for a multilateral approach for the reconstruction of Iraq and its transition to democratic self-rule. We are heartened by discussions over the last few days between the United Nations, the CPA and the Iraqi Governing Council regarding the possible return of the UN to Iraq.
The success of a multilateral approach depends on the involvement of Iraqi men and women of all religions, ethnic groups and regions in rebuilding their nation according to the rule of law. The rebuilding of Iraq and the introduction of democratic self-rule will only succeed if the Iraqi people themselves have a major role and responsibility in the reconstruction process rather than being alienated from it.
This is especially true with regard to Iraq’s workers, most of whom are currently unemployed, and who fear that their economic well-being is out of their control and in the hands of outsiders. A concerted effort to make Iraqi workers active partners in the reconstruction process, particularly during this period of political transition, is key to its success.
The fact that the labor laws imposed by Saddam Hussein in 1987 are still the “law of the land” undermines the effort to enfranchise Iraqi workers by denying them any organized voice through which to participate. This archaic law is in fundamental violation of the most important ILO conventions on freedom of association and the right to organize and bargain collectively by, among other things, prohibiting trade union representation in the public sector. Since most of the labor force is defined to be in the public sector, this law effectively denies fundamental rights to the overwhelming majority of Iraqi workers. The 1987 law also denies Iraqi workers the right to create and join organizations of their own choosing.
This law must be replaced. While the Iraqi people themselves must draft their own constitution and laws, it is critical that the drafting of a new labor code consistent with international labor standards begins now. We were pleased to learn that the Iraq Minister of Labor and the ILO have signed a cooperative agreement for the ILO to assist the Ministry in drafting a new labor law, bringing immense experience, expertise and stature. This initiative is consistent with the multilateral approach essential for reconstruction and political transition to succeed.
In the meantime, the AFL-CIO calls on the CPA and the Iraqi Governing Council to allow Iraqi workers to associate together and participate collectively in rebuilding the economy. Training and other kinds of support from the international trade union movement should be encouraged, especially through the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU). Such initial steps would go a long way toward the development of a modern industrial relations system in Iraq that would address worker grievances and promote respect for workers’ rights.
Contact: Lane Windham, 202-637-5018
