ILO Supports Iraq’s Efforts to Enhance Trade Union Rights and Freedoms in Line with International Labour Standards

In the opening session, Mr. Ahmed Al-Asadi, Iraq’s Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, highlighted Iraq’s commitment to enhancing trade union freedoms: “Iraq’s dedication to strengthening trade union rights stems from our belief that decent, sustainable work can only be achieved within a framework that respects workers’ fundamental rights, particularly their right to organize and engage in collective bargaining. These rights are not just part of international labour standards but also reflect our respect for human dignity and every individual’s right to participate in decisions affecting their professional life.”

Throughout the visit, the delegation was briefed on the ILO's mandate, structure, functions, supervisory mechanisms, and tools, with a focus on trade union rights. They also reviewed international labour standards on trade union rights ratified by Iraq, particularly Convention 87 (1948) on Freedom of Association and Convention 98 (1949) on Collective Bargaining.

Mr. Hussein Arab, Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Labour Committee, emphasized the importance of protecting trade unionists from discrimination and ensuring a legal environment that promotes the free and independent organization of workers under international standards. Ms. Maria Helena André, Director of the ILO's Bureau for Workers' Activities, stressed that “respecting human and workers’ rights is essential to addressing Iraq’s diverse challenges, including technological advancements, climate change, and demographic and economic shifts. Well-designed labour laws that align with international standards are critical not only for protecting the rights of employers and workers but also for promoting fair working conditions and achieving sustainable economic growth.”

During the study visit, the Iraqi delegation discussed their draft trade union law, which had its first reading in Parliament on 29 April 2024. The ILO’s technical comments were reviewed alongside input from various stakeholders to ensure the draft aligns with international labour standards.

Corinne Vargha, Director of International Labour Standards at the ILO, expressed her satisfaction with the collaboration, saying, "There is a strong commitment, lively discussion, and a clear plan to move forward. We are fully prepared to support our partners in Iraq on this critical journey and share their ambitions to become a role model for trade unions and freedom of association in the region."

Maha Kattaa, ILO Country Coordinator for Iraq, affirmed that providing a solid legislative foundation aligned with international labour standards ratified by Iraq will empower workers and their unions, thereby supporting Iraq’s economic and social development.

The study visits also reviewed the outcomes of the ILO’s Direct Contact Mission to Iraq on the implementation of Convention 98 from 2 to 4 May 2023. Discussions included forming a technical committee to draft the new trade union law, strengthening the coordination council comprising Iraq’s Ministry of Labour, trade unions, and labour federations, and establishing a tripartite forum to support efforts to promote trade union freedoms. The ILO’s ongoing technical support to Iraq, requested by the government, was also highlighted.

Participants agreed to enhance tripartite consultations to finalize the draft trade union law in line with ILO’s technical feedback and Iraq’s national labour framework, including Law No. 37 of 2015. They also committed to implementing the roadmap established by the ILO’s Direct Contact Mission.

The ILO will continue providing technical support to Iraq, focusing on social dialogue and trade union rights, through EU-funded programs aimed at promoting inclusive labour practices and social protection.

For more information, please contact:

Ms. Raghda Muhi

Communications and Outreach Officer, ILO Iraq

muhi@ilo.org

Tel: +964 790 194 6269