Iraq oil strike scaled back for talks

BAGHDAD, June 7 (UPI) -- Iraqi oil workers have apparently scaled back their strike, allowing time for negotiations over the draft oil law and working conditions to restart.

The strike started Monday, restricting flow of oil, natural gas and associated products to major cities, including Baghdad, and began to shut exports of oil. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has sent troops to surround the strikers and issued arrest warrants for the union leaders.

"Certainly, as of late morning, there still has been no arrests, still has been no injuries," said Jim Catterson, energy industry officer of the International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine & General Workers' Union, one of a number of international groups in solidarity with the unions.

Numerous sources in regular contact with the Iraq Federation of Oil Unions, the umbrella union organizing the strike, told United Press International the government negotiators have convinced unionists to draw back their work stoppage and restart negotiations.

"The strike continues in a limited form," Catterson said, adding he believes the negotiators represent Maliki's office. Troops are still surrounding the workers, according to reports.

The Iraq Pipelines Union started the strike Monday after the Iraq Pipelines Company halted bonus checks. The IFOU, which the IPU is a member of, has threatened to strike since early last month over 17 unmet demands, including inclusion in negotiations over the oil law.

Maliki agreed to the demands, according to the unions, in a May 16 meeting.

The International Trade Union Confederation and Trade Union Congress have issued letters to Maliki condemning the troop presence and warrants, and are calling on its members to send letters of support.

"The presence of the military in an industrial dispute is completely unacceptable, and can only be counterproductive," said ITUC General Secretary Guy Ryder. "The only way to resolve this is through proper negotiation, and we strongly urge the Iraqi authorities to ensure that this takes place."

The unions have been accused by Maliki of collaborating with foreign countries or other internal political elements, though they claim the strike is purely defending workers rights and Iraqi oil.

The union leaders have received increased threats, including assassination threats. They say the negotiations continue, but the strike will resume Monday if the demands are not met.

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Ben Lando, UPI Energy Correspondent