Dear Senators:

I am writing to reiterate CWA’s opposition to the war in Iraq and also to ask you to intervene in support of the Iraqi labor movement. CWA’s convention delegates, meeting several weeks ago, reiterated our call for immediate withdrawal. We are also aware that our government has continued to undermine collective bargaining rights for the struggling labor movement.

One of the few positive affects of opposing Saddam Hussein has been the emergence of a growing labor movement in Iraq. This is critically important because the unions are one of the few organizations organized on a secular basis, with genuine popular support. Those unions have also asked that the U.S. intervention end, believing that as difficult as that process would be, there are more opportunities for peace after our withdrawal.

Finally, we urge you to voice U.S. opposition to continuing efforts by the Iraqi government to limit collective bargaining, particularly in the public sector. I know we all agree that the promotion of collective bargaining is a critical element of democracy everywhere.

Thanks for your consideration of these matters.

Sincerely,

Larry Cohen

President
Communications Workers of America