23 February, 2009
The ICEM has intervened in efforts to prevent harsh discipline this week against an Iraqi trade unionist, who is being persecuted for leading a protest in order to gain wage arrears for workers at the State Company for Petrochemical Industries (SCPI). (See previous story here.)
The ICEM learned over the weekend that Kareem Johi Sahan, a trade union leader for the Petrochemical Workers’ Union of Basra, is scheduled to be punished Thursday, 26 February, for his role in leading the 28 January workers’ protest. Following several weeks of interrogation of Johi and three other union leaders, Johi faces the possibility of immediate discharge, or reductions to his salary.
The ICEM also has learned that the severe interrogations have inflicted Johi with heart problems.
Kareem Johi (centre) handling leaflets at an October 2008 demonstration
SCPI is 100% owned by Iraq’s Ministry of Industry and Minerals. In a letter dated today to MIM Minister Fawzi al-Hariri, ICEM General Secretary Manfred Warda urged the ministry to intervene directly with management of the enterprise to prevent any form of discipline this week. (See that letter here.)
Kareem Johi, 51, is a recognised trade union leader of the Petrochemical Workers’ Union of Basra at SCPI, who, since the end of 2006, has used internationally-recognised free speech and assembly to draw attention to remuneration claims, cuts in fuel subsidies to workers, and other regressive policies by SCPI management.
SCPI is Iraq’s only petrochemicals complex, employing 5,000 workers, and its six plants produce ethylene, polyethylene, vinyl chloride, and other chemicals.