Iraq union agreement with Iraq ministry

BASRA, Iraq, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- One of Iraq’s two major oil unions has apparently signed a truce with its nemesis, the federal government, over challenging the draft oil law.

The Al-Sabah newspaper reports the General Unions of Oil Employees in Basra, also known as the General Union of Oil Workers, reached an agreement at a recent meeting.

The two sides have been at odds over a variety of working conditions demands, as well as a draft oil law that the unions claim was made without enough input and contained oil contracts they fear will give too much to foreign and private oil companies.

Faraj Rabat Mezban, GUOE’s director of culture and media, said 19 union leaders met with Nabil Ahmed, a representative for the Ministry of National Security.

That ministry includes the oil protection force, which guards oil sector installations, and other forces and confronted striking oil workers in June.

In the agreement the GUOE affirmed the Parliament is the sole legislative body in Iraq but that anyone is able to object or comment on proposed or passed legislation, a reference to the ongoing debate over the oil law.

The union also agreed to scale back on threats, provocation and civil disobedience over unmet demands, which some members have made to the media.

The workers and ministry officials will put together a list of demands, which will be taken to the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of Oil.