Iraqi workers win tactical victory
The Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions has claimed a tactical victory in the Basra oil pipeline workers’ dispute. Union leader Hassan Jumaa announced on 11 June: “An enlarged meeting was held with... the minister... Most of the issues within the remit of the prime minister were dealt with....” The workers originally struck on Monday 4th. The government sent troops to surround the workplace. Work resumed, but the government agreed to negotiate. The government had ordered the arrest of leaders of the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions for “sabotaging the Iraqi economy”, but in fact they were not...