
[Home] Contact\|Feedback\|Links\|Privacy\|



	Journal Archive


	Song & Poem Competition

Iraqi railway workers strike

In early January 2005, Iraqi railway workers in Basra went on strike to demand protection after a number of armed resistance attacks on railway workers.

The strike continued through January and the Basra rail service is suspended.

A freight train was ambushed between Basra and An-Nasariyah in December 2004, during which two train drivers were kidnapped and five railway workers seriously assaulted.

In October 2004, four railway workers were also murdered on a train between Mosul and Baghdad. This was roundly condemned by the International Railway Workers' Section conference in November 2004.

The Iraqi Federation of Workers' Trade Unions (IFTU) is urging the government to help secure the release of the kidnapped drivers and provide adequate security.

Mac Urata, ITF Inland Transport Section Secretary, said, "The international labour movement has a duty to highlight the importance of protecting the human rights and safety of workers. These workers are risking their lives every day just trying to earn a living".

Send a solidarity message to the IFTU:

abdullahmuhsin@iraqitradeunions.org.

Source: ITF News Online, January 20, 2005