If a Union can work here it can work anywhere.

2009 E.T.I.

You think you have it tough? Is it too hard to organize for Union activity?

I know this picture is from China, but I put it in for the idea.

How would you like to face tanks, rifles, and do it in the middle of Iraq where just being an Oil worker is enough to get you and your family killed?

Iraqi Oil Workers Declare Victory after Strike

The demands of the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions (IFOU) that held pipeline strikes near Basra during the beginning of June were met. This stopped further planned strikes.

On 11 June, the IFOU met with the Minister of State for Parliament Affairs, who represents Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Promises al-Maliki made to the union in May were finally honored. A committee to deal with oil workers’ grievances was finally established. Grievances including salaries, work conditions, health and safety concerns, and demands to be involved in the future of Iraq’s oil industry.

IFOU President Hassan Jumaa Awad Alasady said, the workers have won in demanding their rights.

Remember, in Iraq, negotiations tend to spread small parts of people over a wide area.

On June 5 the Iraqi military surrounded the strikers and the Union found that there were plans to arrest union and strike leaders.

After negotiations with the union, both sides agreed to stop the strike and to use negotiations to resolve outstanding issues.

Basra-area pipeline workers, part of the 26,000-member IFOU, shut down oil pipelines leading to Baghdad on 4 June, and again on 5 June, after a decision by the country’s oil minister to break the Prime Minister’s promises to the Union.

The IFOU has thanked all of the Unions around the world that helped. sending messages of gratitude for all of the help and good wishes expressing solidarity with the oil workers and the IFOU.

Maybe dealing with Republicans isn't quite so bad. 2009 E.T.I.