NASUWT: condemns "cowardly attack" on Iraqi trade unionists
Monday, 16 July 2012
8:00 AM
The NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union, has been deeply disturbed to hear of a savage attack on trade union activists in Baghdad as part of an ongoing campaign of intimidation against the country’s trade unions.
Armed men stormed the offices of the General Federation of Iraqi Workers (GFIW) in the capital, assaulting activists and members of the leadership of the union.
They also smashed the offices and equipment of the unions that represent construction workers, mechanics and printers, before forcibly removing activists and staff from the building, who faced a barrage of abuse and physical threats.
NASUWT General Secretary Chris Keates said:
“The NASUWT deplores this cowardly attack which is an attack on the rights of trade unions to organise freely and stand up for the rights of ordinary working people.
“I call on the authorities to use all legal means to bring those responsible to justice.
“We will be making strong representations to the Government on this matter. It is important for the international community to show solidarity and to continue to intensify the campaign for democracy and free speech in Iraq.”
ENDS
Ben Padley,
Press Officer,
Campaigns and Communications,
NASUWT
Hillscourt Education Centre
Rednal
Birmingham
B45 8RS
0121 457 6269
07785 463 119
www.twitter.com/nasuwtunion
www.twitter.com/Chris_K_NASUWT
www.facebook.com/nasuwt
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