Body:

The Iraq Teachers Union (ITU) has been actively working for greater union and organizing rights under the new Iraqi constitution. But in the last few weeks the government has attempted to seize the union from its members and leaders.

The government appointed a special body to preside over the union and force it to hold elections. The ITU has had multiple conferences in which union leaders have been elected openly and democratically, the last one in late 2007 to elect a new president.

The government is demanding that the union hand over the keys to its buildings and offices, as well as its records and membership information. It has told the elected leaders of the ITU to step down or be jailed.

Expiration Date:
Sun, 05/31/2009 - 8:59pm