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9 March, 2009
The ICEM was incensed to learn late last week that Iraqi management of the State Company for Petrochemical Industries (SCPI) has levelled discipline against Kareem Johi Sahan, a trade union leader for the Petrochemical Workers’ Union of Basra.
He was given compulsory six-month banishment from the chemicals facility, meaning that his salary has been reduced to the minimum level. Kareem Johi was unjustly punished for his role in organising a peaceful workers’ protest late in January, a protest brought on by SCPI not meeting its payroll. He had been ruthlessly interrogated in the weeks that followed, so much that he developed heart problems.
SCPI is 100% owned by Iraq’s Ministry of Industry and Minerals.
Kareem Johi (centre) handling leaflets
“We vehemently insist that discipline was not warranted against Kareem Johi Sahan,” ICEM General Secretary Manfred Warda said in a letter this week to Iraq’s Minister of Industry and Minerals. “This is a violation of his basic human rights. He used his internationally-recognised right of free speech and his right to peacefully assemble co-workers in a remuneration claim, and for this his livelihood has been placed in jeopardy.
“We call on you to immediately repeal this order given by your managers of the State Company for Petrochemical Industries.” The letter in its entirety can be found here.
The ICEM will continue to press this case until justice is achieved.