1. Resolution No. 13: In Solidarity with Iraqi Workers
2. States lose out on military spending; cost of war
3. Wounded troops overwhelm care
4. Head of Reconstruction Teams in Iraq Reports Little Progress Throughout Country

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The 28th World Congress of Public Services International, meeting in Vienna, Austria, on 24-28 September 2007,

WHEREAS thoughtful people around the world share a desire for an end to the violence in Iraq and hope for a future in which the rights of workers and all people in Iraq will be respected; and

WHEREAS the number of Iraqi civilians who have been killed or wounded to date is unconscionable. The victims in this conflict are overwhelmingly the Iraqi people, whose attempts to take control of their own destiny are continually frustrated. These aspirations were clearly demonstrated when Iraqis defied widespread intimidation and escalating violence by turning out in the millions to elect an Iraqi government and approve a constitution; and

WHEREAS, despite legal obstacles, Iraq's workers and their institutions are already active in the struggle for democracy. Trade unionists are being targeted for their activism, and some have paid for their valor with their lives. One essential pillar of any democracy is a strong, free democratic labor movement, and this is certainly true in Iraq; and

WHEREAS the building a democratic Iraq is dependent on the support and participation not only of a broad coalition of nations, but also of democratically-oriented non-governmental organizations. In this regard, the international labor movement has an important role to play:

RESOLVES that PSI joins American trade unionists in opposing the war in Iraq and calling upon the American government and coalition partners to withdraw all troops, bases and military operations in a rapid and timely manner; and

RESOLVES that PSI applauds the courage of the Iraqi people and unequivocally condemns the use of terror in Iraq and, indeed, anywhere in the world. PSI calls on its affiliates and the international community to help the Iraqi people build capacity and establish basic security; and

RESOLVES that PSI considers it a moral and practical imperative that military action in Iraq must be followed by international programs to rebuild the nation's infrastructure. The long-suffering Iraqi people deserve a chance for a normal life of self-government and self-respect. PSI will strongly support the development of education and cultural initiatives and programs by international organizations, governments, trade unions and other democratic forces to promote democracy, the rule of law and tolerance in Iraq; and

RESOLVES that PSI supports the efforts of Iraqi workers to form independent labor unions. In the absence of an adequate labor law, PSI calls on the Iraqi government, as well as domestic and international companies operating in Iraq, to respect internationally recognized International Labor Organization standards that call for protecting the right of workers to organize free from all government and employer interference and the right to
organize and bargain collectively in both the public and private sectors. These rights must also be extended to include full equality for working women; and

RESOLVES that PSI condemns the fact that Saddam's decree No. 150, issued in 1987 that abolished union rights for workers in the extensive Iraqi public sector, has not been repealed. Moreover, we decry decree No. 875 of the new Council of Ministers, which confiscated all funds held by trade unions and prevents them from dispensing their own money. Payroll deductions for union dues are also not permitted under current laws. PSI
calls on the Iraqi government to place as a top priority the adoption of a new labor law that conforms to international labor standards to replace these anti-worker laws and decrees; and

RESOLVES that PSI condemns any acts of intimidation targeting union and democracy activists. In concert with the international trade union movement, PSI will continue to provide our full solidarity to Iraq's workers as they struggle for an end to the violence and a more just and democratic nation.
Submitted by the American Federation of Teachers, USA.