War is no solution!
<http://www.dgb.de/sprachen/englisch/statement_iraqi_conflikt.pdf>
Confederation of German Trade Unions (DGB) Executive Board, January 13, 2003

Berlin - It is with great concern that the DGB observes the deployment of US
troops in the Gulf region. Although the United Nations arms controls have so
far come up with no evidence that Saddam Hussein's regime continues to
harbour weapons of mass destruction, an attack on Iraq seems imminent. ...
The DGB is firmly opposed, in this situation, to any attempt to achieve
these goals by the use of military force. ...

Working People Want Peace
Canadian labour rallies January 18th Day of Action Against War on Iraq
<http://www.clc-ctc.ca>
CNW, January 16, 2003

Ottawa - Canadian labour voices will join the activities scheduled in
Halifax, Fredericton, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Saskatoon,
Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver and many other communities on Saturday, January
18th, the Cross-Canada Day of Action Against the War on Iraq. ... On August
20, 2002, the President of the Canadian Labour Congress, Ken Georgetti,
stated ... that "Canadian workers are watching with growing disbelief the US
government's preparations for a full-scale attack against Iraq and they want
nothing to do with it." ...

Unions condemn troop deployments
<http://www.qcu.asn.au/65.html>
Queensland Council of Unions, January 23, 2003

The Queensland Council of Unions today condemned the federal government's
deployment of troops to aid the build-up of American forces for an attack on
Iraq. "This troop deployment takes place without reference to any proper
process, and we totally condemn it," QCU Assistant Secretary Chris Barrett
said. ...

NUGFW Against Terror Threats
<http://nugfw.org.tt/Media_releases/media_releases_2003/01_janaury_2003/03.01.

30-nugfw_against_terror_threats.htm>
National Union of Government and Federated Workers, January 30, 2003

The National Union of Government and Federated Workers (Trinidad & Tobago)
has come out firmly against the use of terrorist tactics that were recently
publicised in a national Sunday newspaper. Robert Giuseppi, President General
of NUGFW, said: "... We are also opposed to this pending war which, in our
view, has more to do with oil than American and British concerns about
democracy or human rights in that country. ... "

Australian, British and Iraqi building unions oppose War
<http://www.cfmeu.asn.au/construction/press/nat/20030203_Iraqwar.html>
CFMEU, February 3, 2003

Leaders of the Australian Construction Union, the CFMEU, the British UCATT,
Construction Workers Federations of India and Bangladesh and the Arab
Federation for Construction & Wood Workers passed a strong resolution
opposing the war on Iraq at the 5th National Congress of Construction Workers
in India on Friday (Jan 31). ... When the question of Iraq is being
considered at the United Nations level, no country has the right to take upon
itself the right to attack the soil of Iraq on the pretext of destroying
weapons of mass destruction. ...

Mass protest against war
<http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=375582>
Michael McHugh, Belfast Telegraph, February 4, 2003

The biggest mass protest of the year has been promised for later this month
when demonstrators against war with Iraq meet in Belfast. The show of
strength, scheduled for February 15, is being organised by local trade unions
and will be centred on Belfast City Hall. Known as the Stop the War Coalition
(NI), the group represents the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. ... They are
supported by peace groups, local churches, ethnic minority groupings and the
student movement. ...

WA unions promise chaos if Iraq invaded
<http://www.thewest.com.au/20030205/news/latest/tw-news-latest-home-sto86871.h

tml>
Steve Pennells, West Australian Newspapers, February 5, 2003

WA unions have promised a campaign of Statewide industrial action the minute
a military strike is launched on Iraq. The anti-war stance - to involve more
than 75,000 workers from nine key unions - will go ahead even if the United
Nations backs the attack. ...

Anti-war protests continue across Turkey
<http://www.turkishdailynews.com/FrTDN/latest/dom.htm>
Turkish Daily News, February 11, 2003

Ankara - The representatives of several trade unions and nongovernmental
organizations called everyone to protest against a war. On February 18, it
will be voted in Parliament whether the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) should go
to Iraq or not and the group said people should hold a protest march to
Parliament on this date. Representatives of the Confederation of
Revolutionary Workers' Unions (DISK), the Confederation of Public Sector
Trade Unions (KESK), the Turkish Union of Engineers' and Architects' Chambers
(TMMOB) and the Turkish Doctors' Union (TTB) gathered at the general center
of TMOBB. ...

Statement by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions
<http://www.labourstart.org/korea/kctu150203.shtml>
LabourStart, February 13, 2003

Seoul - The US should stop immediately the war against Iraq and the military
threat imposed on Korea peninsula!! Participating in the international day of
action for peace and against war on February 15, facing the eve of war on
Iraq and the increasing threat of war on Korean peninsula by the US
imperialist, we, Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, on behalf of working
people in our country, express our warm solidarity to the international
campaign against war and will join the international day of action on
February 15 in collaboration with various Korean people's and social
movements. ...

Against the war and for the peace: Another world order is necessary and
possible!
Declaration of the CUT to National and International Public Opinion, February
13, 2003

São Paulo - The horrors of war continue to haunt the world. US Secretary of
State Colin Powell announced a few days ago in his address to the United
Nations Security Council that the attack by North American forces and its
allies on Iraq is imminent. Everything points to the fact that they intend to
launch this war with or without the backing of the United Nations and
worldwide public opinion. ... The war, quite clearly, is not to restore
democracy and peace in the region. North American politicians, labor
unionists and peace activists have denounced the link between important
members of the US administration and the oil industry barons. Controlling the
oil of Iraq is the objective of the US government. ...

No to war against Iraq
Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO-Norway)

Iraq is one of the most repressive and totalitarian regimes in the world,
with comprehensive and serious violations of human rights and international
humanitarian law. The UN weapon inspectors have so far not found any evidence
on Iraq having a secret stock of weapons of mass destruction. The USA is
nevertheless carrying on its threats of war, and contributes to increased
international tension, both globally and in the region. LO-Norway believes
everything should be done to avoid war. ... The country will be exposed to
enormous destruction, and international terror will increase rather than
decrease. ...

MUA members march for peace
<http://www.mua.org.au/news/general/peace.html>
Maritime Union of Australia, February 14, 2003

Maritime workers will be marching under the union banner in mass peace
rallies being held around the nation this weekend. "The Australian people
have made it clear they've had enough of Howard Government warmongering,"
said MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin. "These demonstrations reflect the
determination of Australians to be heard on this matter." ACTU President
Sharan Burrow has called on union members and their families to join the
rallies and campaign for peace, condemning the Howard Government for its rush
to be involved in a US led war. ...

AWU Opposes Australian Unilateral Action Against Iraq
<http://www.awu-nsw.asn.au/news/industrial/1045257955_24223.html>
Australian Workers Union, February 15, 2003

The Greater NSW Branch of the AWU will be joining hundreds of thousands of
working Australians in anti-war actions this weekend. State Secretary Russ
Collison will join with AWU Officials and Members in the "Walk Against the
War" in Sydney on Sunday 16 February 2003. The AWU is concerned about the
long term implications for working people if Australia is to commit to action
against Iraq without sanction from the United Nations. ...

Peace rally says make love not war
<http://www.cupe.bc.ca/?id=1179>
Canadian Union of Public Employees, British Columbia, February 15, 2003

Vancouver - It was the day after Valentines Day and tens of thousands said
'make love not war' as they marched for peace, marched against George Bush as
he recklessly pushes the world to the brink of war. CUPE's pink flags
fluttered overhead as national president Judy Darcy, CUPE BC
secretary-treasurer Colleen Jordan and Hospital Employees' Union president
Fred Muzin led members through the city. "We are here today to say to you and
to say to our government that peace is a workers' issue, peace is a trade
union issue," Darcy said in a fiery speech to the more than 35,000 marchers
amassed at the art gallery. "It is sons and daughters of working people that
are sent off to fight the wars, not the children of the rich and the wealthy
in this country or the United States. ... "

ACTU hopes rallies impact on leaders
<http://abc.net.au/news/justin/nat/newsnat-17feb2003-15.htm>
Australian Broadcasting Corporation, February 17, 2003

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is hopeful the massive rallies
against war with Iraq throughout the world over the weekend will have some
impact. The trade union movement was instrumental in organising the
Australian rallies and has vowed to continue to work with peace groups to
apply pressure on world leaders. It will launch a global peace message in
conjunction with unions from the United States later this week and has
promised more rallies if necessary. ...

Italian unions threaten strike in the event of war on Iraq
AFP, February 18, 2003

Rome - Italy's main union, the CGIL, Tuesday threatened to launch a
potentially crippling general strike if there is a war in Iraq, even one
backed by a new UN resolution. "It would seem difficult to me that if there
is a war on Iraq we would not call a general strike to protest the war," said
Marigia Maulucci of the union's executive council. ... Some three million
people marched through the streets of Rome on Saturday against a war,
rebuking the government of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi who has taken a
hardline stand to back the US position on Iraq. ...

Organizations Representing 130 Million Workers Say NO to War!
Global Labor Press Conference Reports on International Labor Declaration
Against War in Iraq
<http://www.uslaboragainstwar.org/index.php?singleItemFlag=1&news_id=111>
US Labor Against the War, February 19, 2003

Over 200 unions and 550 union leaders from 53 countries representing 130
million workers have signed the International Labor Declaration circulated by
USLAW, beginning just ten days ago. Workers of the world have spoken with a
single voice, demanding that the US abandon its militaristic threats of
illegal aggression against Iraq. They have said in unison, "Give peace a
chance!" This is the first time in history that the world's labor movements
have come together to speak with a single voice on an issue of urgent
international concern. ... Participating in that call were representatives of
major labor federations and unions from the US, Mexico, Canada, Quebec,
France, England, Tunisia, Pakistan, Brazil, Australia, and Italy. Each made a
brief statement about their organization's antiwar activities and expressed
their solidarity with one another in building a global labor front against
War in Iraq. ...

International labor statement on Iraq
<http://vthc.org.au/media/union_news/20030218_War.html>
Victorian Trades Hall Council, February 19, 2003

On the eve of a threatened war against Iraq, we, trade unionists from around
the world, join with US Labor Against the War (USLAW) and the US unions,
representing more than 4 million workers, who have opposed this war. As trade
unionists we have the responsibility to inform all working people about
issues that affect their lives, jobs and families, and to be heard in the
international debate on these issues. We oppose a US led war against Iraq for
many reasons. There is no evident purpose for this war that we can support.
There is no convincing link between Iraq and Al Qaeda or the attacks on Sept.
11, and neither the Bush administration nor the UN inspections have
demonstrated that Iraq poses a real threat to Americans and other nations. It
is clear that military action in Iraq will actually increase the likelihood
of retaliatory terrorist acts around the world against Western targets. ...
We have no quarrel with the ordinary working class men, women and children of
Iraq, or any other country. We oppose the spending of billions of dollars to
stage and execute this war when our nations need money for education,
healthcare, housing, and other basic needs. ...

Union leaders across globe condemn move toward war
<http://www.workdayminnesota.org/daily/news/0219antiwar.php>
Workday Minnesota, February 19, 2003

Washington - In a historic news conference broadcast live over the World Wide
Web, union leaders from dozens of nations condemned moves toward war with
Iraq and pledged to mobilize their members to protest. ... They also fielded
questions from reporters. US Labor Against War was formed last month in
Chicago at a meeting of more than 100 union members from 60 unions and labor
councils, including the Duluth Central Labor Body. Ten days ago, the group
circulated an International Labor Statement Opposing War Against Iraq. ...

Iraq crisis must be resolved through UN
<http://www.icftu.org/displaydocument.asp?Index=991217250&Language=EN>
International Confederation of Free Trade Unions, February 19, 2003

Brussels - The only legitimate and acceptable way to resolve the Iraq crisis
is through the United Nations, according to the International Confederation
of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU). The global union body, again warning against a
"slide into war" in Iraq, believes that the inspection processes put in place
by the UN Security Council should be continued and strengthened, not
pre-empted. ...

March against war
<http://www.nswtf.org.au/media/latest/20030219_peace.html>
NSW Teachers Federation, February 19, 2003

Members of the NSW Teachers Federation joined a quarter of a million people
participating in a March against War held in Sydney on Sunday, 16 February.
The demonstration was the largest ever held in Australia. Teachers and other
trade unionists played a prominent role in the rally. ... The Federation's
opposition to war is based on Article 29 of the United Nations Convention on
the Rights of the Child which requires that "the education of the child shall
be directed to the preparation of the child for responsible life in a free
society in the spirit of understanding, peace, tolerance, equality of sexes
and friendship amongst all people, national and religious groups and persons
of indigenous origin". The Federation's Objects (rule 1.4) include working
for and promoting international disarmament and co-operation.

Peace is Union Business
<http://workers.labor.net.au/167/news7_peace.html>
Labornet, February 20, 2003

Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Kevin Rudd will headline an anti-war seminar,
next week, as workers lift their contribution to the peace movement. Rudd,
veteran peace activist Audry McDonald and Labor Council secretary John
Robertson will be joined on the speakers list by five rank and file delegates
on the speakers list. The February 26 Trades Hall seminar begins at 6.30. It
will consider how workers can best contribute to the momentum developed by
half a million Australians who marched for peace last weekend. ...

Global Labor Challenges Bush War Plans
<http://news.pacificnews.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=1a6e28f48218a10

43e3955e91628147a>
David Bacon, Pacific News Service, February 21, 2003

Opinion polls and mass demonstrations worldwide have shown popular opposition
to potential US military action in Iraq. But recent anti-war moves by labor
unions across the globe could pose more concrete obstacles to Bush
administration war plans. ...

Construction union has anti-war strike in its sites
<http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/02/21/1045638488371.html>
Brad Norington, Sydney Morning Herald, February 22, 2003

The construction union is planning a strike by up to 10,000 workers on city
building sites on the day any war against Iraq is declared. The Construction
Forestry Mining and Energy Union has called a special meeting of 300
delegates from Sydney building sites on Tuesday to settle a plan of
co-ordinated industrial action. ... The CFMEU has also seconded one of its
chief campaigners, Phil Davey, to work full-time for an anti-war coalition of
unions, churches, community groups and political parties. ...

Slovaks voice concerns over government support for US military action in Iraq
<http://www.slovakspectator.sk/clanok.asp?vyd=2003007&cl=11936>
Luk·ö Fila, Slovak Spectator, February 24, 2003

Anti-war demonstrators in Bratislava marched in protest against war in Iraq,
adding their voices to millions of others in similar protests around the
world. The event, attended by around 1,000 people, was organised by the
initiative Not In Our Name as part of the international day of anti-war
protests February 15. ... "If there had been any information in the media
about the protest, more people would be here," said Marta Hubov·, 51, a
nurse. ...

Arms Train Convoy: CGIL Sides with Law Abiding Pacifists
<http://www.agi.it/english/news.pl?doc=200302242003-0225-RT1-CRO-0-NF11&page=0

&id=agionline-eng.oggitalia>
AGI, February 24, 2003

Venice - Labour unions take sides with pacifists in the debate against the
Italian government which has recently granted the US military the use of all
necessary infrastructure - eg railway lines - for arms convoys. Unions
stressed that any protest should be conducted "in strict observance of the
law". The latter view was expressed Oscar Mancini, CGIL Secretary for
Vicenza, who spoke today at the union's national conference in Rome. "Last
Friday's protests - Mancini said - was a symbolic gesture, but was carried
out in full observance of the law. ... We are in favour of peace, no ifs and
no buts". ...

UNISON NEC statement on Iraq
<http://www.unison.org.uk/news/news_view.asp?did=670>
UNISON Executive Council, February 24, 2003

UNISON applauds the millions of people who demonstrated in the Stop the War
marches on 15 February and have joined in protests across the world. These
people included hundreds of thousands of public service workers and UNISON
members united in a desire to stop the killing of innocent civilians and to
prevent an unjust war. ... To this end we endorse the statements issued by
the TUC, Solidar and US Labour Against the War. ...

TUC statement on Iraq
<http://www.tuc.org.uk/international/tuc-6299-f0.cfm>
TUC General Council, February 26, 2003

The General Council recall and reaffirm the positions adopted by Congress in
2002, the key points of which were that the emphasis should be on a
multilateral approach working through, and only with, the explicit authority
of the UN Security Council; that they unambiguously opposed any military
action being contemplated by the US or any other country on a unilateral
basis; that the Government should seek to align with our EU partners its
response to any initiative by the US Administration; and that military action
should only be an option as a last resort, if all diplomacy failed, and if
there was evidence made generally available which clearly demonstrated that
Saddam Hussein was developing weapons of mass destruction and delivery
systems and posed a real threat to world peace. On the evidence currently
available, the General Council do not judge these conditions to have been met
and for war to be justified. ...

NO WAR Howard
<http://www.amwu.asn.au/default.asp?action=LoadArticle&ID=936>
Union House, Brisbane, February 26, 2003

The Queensland AMWU Branch is sending a clear message to the Howard
government that the union opposes war with Iraq. Queensland AMWU officials
concerned with the ever increasing possibility of Australian involvement in a
war with Iraq have hung a NO WAR banner off the face of Union House in
Brisbane. Holly Patterson and Maggie May, members of the National Organising
Unit, designed and painted the banner to coincide with the peace rally held
in Brisbane where approximately 80,000 people attended on 16 February. ...

Union backs anti-war CD
<http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0200wales/page.cfm?objectid=12678007&

method=full&siteid=50082>
The Western Mail - The National Newspaper Of Wales, February 26, 2003

A trade union has joined forces with rock musicians to produce a hard-hitting
CD opposing the impending war in Iraq. The Rhondda Cynon Taff branch of
Unison teamed up with the independent record label Poison Whiskey Records,
based in Rhondda, to release an anti-war album distributed during a series of
live gigs. Demand for the CD, entitled The Consequences of Our Actions, has
already rocketed during a tour of South Wales by unsigned bands featured on
the recording. It is now being distributed in North Wales and the north of
England as the bands continue their campaign in support of Unison's stance
against war on Iraq. ...

Iraq: Still time for peace
<http://www.icftu.org/displaydocument.asp?Index=991217317&Language=EN>
International Confederation of Free Trade Unions, February 28, 2003

Brussels - Decisions to be taken in the coming days concerning the crisis
over Iraq will have profound consequences for that country, for the
international community, and for working people everywhere. The International
Confederation of Free Trade Unions, uniting 158 million trade unionists
around the world in the quest for "Bread, Peace and Freedom", urges all
Governments to work together for a peaceful solution to the Iraq crisis and
to use to the full the international organisations that they have created for
that purpose. There is still time for peace. ...

World Federation of Trade Unions expresses solidarity with the call of
European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) for continent-wide work stoppages
on 14 March to show opposition to war, March 11, 2003

The WFTU expresses its solidarity with the European Trade Union Confederation
(ETUC) which has called for continent-wide work stoppages on 14 March to show
opposition to war. Mass protests and demonstrations all over Europe clearly
show that an overwhelming majority of the working people and trade unionists
are against the war on Iraq. The WFTU has sent a high-level delegation to
Iraq, which is currently in Baghdad, to express solidarity with the General
Federation of Trade Unions of Iraq and reaffirm the unanimous opposition of
WFTU affiliates the world over to the US and British plans to invade and
occupy Iraq. The WFTU reiterates its appeal to the entire trade union
movement and to all peoples of the world to unite their forces and intensify
the worldwide mobilization to prevent the war.

CEP National Executive speaks out against war in Iraq
<http://www.newswire.ca/releases/February2003/28/c5516.html>
Communications Energy and Paperworkers Union, February 28, 2003

Ottawa - The National Executive Board of the Communications Energy and
Paperworkers Union of Canada, today, voted to oppose Canadian involvement in
a US led invasion of Iraq. "The United Nations Security Council has
alternatives before it that could lead to a peaceful resolution of the Iraq
crisis, and each of these alternatives must be vigorously pursued," says CEP
National President Brian Payne. ... The CEP resolution calls on union members
to "join with the millions of people around the world raising their voices
and demonstrating for peace."

Turkish workers march
<http://uk.fc.yahoo.com/030301/46/duhjh.html>
Annanova, March 1, 2003

Turkish workers, members of the Haber-Is Union, one of them holding a banner
that reads "No to war", march during an anti-war demonstration in downtown
Ankara, Turkey, Saturday March 1, 2003. With ships carrying US tanks and
other armor anchored off the Turkish coast, Turkey's parliament met Saturday
to vote on a long-delayed government proposal to allow thousands of US combat
troops into the country in preparation for war with Iraq. Meanwhile, tens of
thousands of Turks holding "No War" banners, gathered at a square just two
kilometers (1.2 miles) away from parliament in an anti-war protest.

Not in our name: The National Union says no to war with Iraq
<http://www.nupge.ca/news_2003/n06ma03b.htm>
National Union of Public and General Employees, March 6, 2003

Ottawa - James Clancy and Larry Brown, the president and secretary-treasurer
of the 325,000-member National Union of Public and General Employees, have
issued an open letter rejecting war with Iraq. "The drumbeat for war rises
... We must actively resist those who would perpetrate it," they say in an
urgent message to all members. ...

Spanish unionists call Europe-wide stoppage for peace on 14 March
<http://hoovnews.hoovers.com/fp.asp?layout=displaynews&doc_id=NR20030308670.2_

d7de000c6eb377bf>
Hoover News, March 8, 2003

In Madrid the Workers' Commissions and UGT unions have just announced the
actions agreed upon by the European Trade Union Confederation against the war
in Iraq. ... The European Trade Union Confederation has convoked a 15-minute
stoppage for European workers in favour of peace and against the war on the
14 March, according to statements just made by the secretaries-general of the
two biggest Spanish unions, CCOO and UGT, Jose Maria Fidalgo and Candido
Mendez, who have also confirmed that this decision by the executive committee
of the ETUC will be explained to the prime minister, Jose Maria Aznar, next
Monday as well as to the Spanish employers' association. ...

Italian workers urged to strike against Iraq war
<http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L10136199>
Reuters, March 10, 2003

Rome - Italian trade unions have called on their members to stage short
strikes this week in a show of opposition to a US-led war on Iraq. On
Tuesday, Italian port workers will go on strike for the last hour of their
shifts to protest against the United States using their workplaces to ship
war equipment out to the Gulf. "We're striking against the Italian ports
being involved in the preparation for a military operation in Iraq," the
three top shipping unions said in a joint statement on Monday. ...

Global oil trade unions threaten strike against Iraq war
<http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_209058,0002.htm>
Indo-Asian News Service, March 10, 2003

Kolkata - A global meet of oil and gas sector trade unions has proposed a
worldwide indefinite strike in the industry until a "peaceful solution" is
found to the Iraq crisis. The conference, being attended by representatives
from India, France, Libya, Sudan, Vietnam, Palestine, Algeria, Greece and
Norway, agreed that a strike was needed to deter "war mongers". The strike
proposal has been floated by Norway's Federation of Oil Workers' Trade Unions
(FOWTU) and is supported en masse by the attending trade unionists. ...

Ships with Military Supplies Sail after Protests
<http://www.agi.it/english/news.pl?doc=200303111238-0104-RT1-CRO-0-NF11&page=0

&id=agionline-eng.oggitalia>
AGI, March 11, 2003

Livorno - First the "Thebeland" set sail and then the "Rosa Delmas". Two
supply ships were loaded last night at the Port of Livorno, with American
military materials that came from Camp Darby. The second ship departed at 7
o'clock this morning. The ships were loaded without a hitch, despite the
24-hour CGIL strike at the company "Scotto", controlled by "Figli di Nado
Neri." Many Americans and a few Italians worked. "To the labor union, it
appears that the workers from the company Scotto did not carry out the
operation," stated the secretary of the Chamber of Labor in Livorno, Piero
Nocchi. "There was adhesion to the strike. It is possible that some
executives worked, but this is another matter." ...

German union urges members to down tools Friday in Iraq protest
<http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20030311/ap_wo_en_ge/eu_gen

_germany_iraq_stoppage_1>
Associated Press, March 11, 2003

Berlin - Germany's largest industrial union is urging its 2.6 million members
to stop work for 10 minutes Friday in a protest against the looming war in
Iraq. IG Metall's action is part of a wider effort by European labor unions
to bring work to a standstill Friday at 11.50 a.m. (1050 GMT), its leader,
Klaus Zwickel, said Tuesday. "I still hope that efforts by the unions and
their members will contribute to securing peace," Zwickel said.
"International law must be strengthened. The right of might must not
prevail." The government of German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, along with
France and Russia, opposes a US-led war to disarm Iraq and is calling for
strengthened UN weapons inspections instead. Polls have shown that an
overwhelming majority of Germans opposes military action.

Unions warn of mass Labour revolt
<http://politics.guardian.co.uk/labour/story/0,9061,912489,00.html>
Patrick Wintour, The Guardian, March 12, 2003

Union leaders yesterday warned Tony Blair that he will be deserted by the
labour movement if he goes ahead with a war in Iraq without a second security
council resolution. A union delegation, led by the TUC general
secretary-elect, Brendan Barber, distanced themselves - for the moment - from
leftwing moves to hold a special party conference at which Mr Blair's
leadership could be challenged. But a union source said that "all bets are
off" if Mr Blair ignores the demand from the party for a second resolution:
"There will be mayhem if he does this without the UN." ...

Working Families on the Side of Peace
<http://action.web.ca/home/clcadmin/en_alerts.shtml?sh_itm=eea77be73447438141a

75024b4fb4161&AA_EX_Session=d456cb9bc9135edea43f29866ec0e938>
Canadian Labour Congress, March 12, 2003

Ottawa - On behalf of Canadian working people and their families, the
Canadian Labour Congress calls on Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and his
government to come clearly to the side of working people all over this
country who do not want a war against Iraq. "No other issue has driven so
many Canadians to the streets, so many times, during the worst days of winter
as did the protests against war in Iraq," notes Ken Georgetti, president of
the Canadian Labour Congress. ...

Antiwar rally in Makati set
<http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/abs_news_body.asp?section=Metro&oid=18041>
ABS-CBN News, March 13, 2003

Thousands of antiwar activists will march on the streets of Makati Thursday
to denounce President Arroyo's "hawkish" policies in the wake of government's
continued military offensives in Mindanao and support to the US-led
aggression in Iraq. "Fellow citizens, we urge you to express your strongest
opposition to the Macapagal-Arroyo administration's war policies in Iraq and
Mindanao," the Makati Antiwar Committee said in a statement. ... The
organizers include Sanlakas, Peoples' Movement Against Poverty, Kilusan Para
sa Pambansang Demokrasya, Alab Katipunan, Kaakbay, National Labor Union,
Federation of Barangay Health Workers, Union of Masses for Democracy and
Justice, Citizens Movement for Justice, Economy, Environment and Peace;
Manila Bay Fisherfolk's Federation, Sulo, La Liga Citizens Movement for
Renewal and Reform, and citizens movements from Rizal, Laguna, Cavite,
Malabon, Makati, San Juan and Quezon City. ...

George Bush hypocrite over peace - says NI union leader
Irish Confederation of Trade Unions, March 13, 2003

The leader of Northern Ireland's trade union movement has accused George Bush
of hypocrisy in encouraging Northern Ireland's politicians to talk peace
while plotting a devastating war against people in Iraq. Peter Bunting,
Assistant General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) said
today: "Everyone in Northern Ireland wants lasting peace and we appreciate
past and present-day encouragement from the United States in reaching that
goal. But to have President Bush talk peace while plotting a St Patrick's Day
war is the ultimate in hypocrisy. We want peace, not just for the people of
Northern Ireland, but also for the people of Iraq. Unfortunately President
Bush has another fate for them in mind - death and destruction from air, land
and sea." ...

Iraq - Disarm through peaceful means, not war - ETUC says
<http://www.nopef.no/art.asp?art=4936>
European Trade Union Confederation, March 14, 2003

The ETUC Executive Committee believes that the rush to war in Iraq is not
justified and that the legitimate goal of the international community to
disarm the Saddam Hussein regime can be effectively persued by other means
and in the framework of the United Nations. The UN inspections are delivering
the first concrete results and therefore they must be allowed the resources
and the time necessary to bring about the total elimination of the arms of
mass destruction detained by Iraq. ...

More antiwar protests across world
Europe has already seen massive anti-war demonstrations
<http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/europe/03/14/sprj.irq.strikes>
CNN, March 14, 2003

Madrid - Millions of Europeans stopped work at midday Friday in protest
against a possible attack on Iraq, as opposition to US-led military action
continued across the world. Labor unions said millions of workers in
countries including Spain, Germany, Italy and Switzerland answered a
continent wide call to strike for 15 minutes to press for peace. In Germany,
where polls show an overwhelming majority of people oppose a war, the strikes
briefly halted vehicle production at three Volkswagen factories and a
DaimlerChrysler plant. Trams ground to a halt in the eastern city of Halle.
Italian unions told The Associated Press that workers downed tools from
Sicily in the south to Turin in the north. Activists hung a 6-yard rainbow
peace flag from a bridge in Pisa, while workers in numerous factories sounded
horns to mark the strike. ...

Cyprus' trade unions launch work stoppage against war on Iraq
<http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2003-03/14/content_779441.htm>
Xinhuanet, March 14, 2003

Nicosia - With a 15-minute work stoppage, workers of all the
government-controlled trade unions in Cyprus Friday joined in an
international campaign against a possible US war on Iraq. ... Shops,
factories, banks, schools and public offices came to a standstill when
thousands of employees stop work in solidarity with European Confederation of
Trade Unions which was supporting similar action across the continent. It was
the largest show of defiance organized so far in the island in a series of
public protests against war. The event was organized by the island's major
and most influential trade unions including: civil servant's union Pasydy,
teachers' unions Poed, Oltek and Oelmek, bank employees union Etyk as well as
the island's two largest union federations Sek and Peo. ...

Five leading French unions ask UN ambassador make case for peace in Iraq
<http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20030314/ap_wo_en_po/eu_gen

_france_iraq_unions_1>
Associated Press, March 14, 2003

Paris - France's five main unions have asked the US ambassador here to urge
President George W. Bush "to give peace every chance" in Iraq. In a letter
dated Thursday and made public Friday, the union leaders stressed that their
effort "is not against the American people ... and even less a sort of
support for the Iraqi president." ... "We know just how precious are the ties
that unite the United States and France," read the letter, citing three wars
that bound the two nations, including the American War of Independence and
the two World Wars. The letter by the unions showed rare unity among the five
organizations which range from the Communist-backed General Workers'
Confederation to the moderate French Confederation for Democratic Workers. ...

IUF Support For International Union Action Against Iraq War
<http://www.iuf.org.uk/cgi-bin/editorials/db.cgi?db=default&ww=1&uid=default&I

D=92&view_records=1&en=1>
International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering,
Tobacco and Allied Workers, March 14, 2003

The IUF stands in solidarity with the trade unions around the world,
including the national center AFL-CIO in the USA and the European
Confederation of Trade Unions (ETUC), who have demonstrated their opposition
to military action against Iraq at a time when UN weapons inspectors are
pursuing multilateral efforts to disarm the Iraqi regime. ... As the AFL-CIO
Executive Council stated in its resolution of February 27, President Bush
"has not fulfilled his responsibility to make a compelling and coherent
explanation to the American people and the world about the need for military
action against Iraq at this time." ...

Millions of Spanish Workers Protest War
<http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20030314/ap_on_re_mi_ea/spa

in_iraq_7>
Ciaran Giles, Associated Press, March 14, 2003

Madrid - Millions of Spaniards staged a 15-minute work stoppage Friday to
protest a possible war in Iraq as Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, ahead of a
weekend US-British-Spanish summit, stood firmly by Washington's efforts to
disarm Saddam Hussein. ... The union estimated some 5 million people
participated. ...

Silence for peace
<http://www.swissinfo.org/sen/swissinfo.html?siteSect=113&sid=1696585>
Swiss Radio International, March 14, 2003

Thousands of employees from a number of sectors in Switzerland observed five
minutes of silence at noontime in protest against a war in Iraq. The Swiss
Trade Union Federation was behind the move in support of an initiative put
forth by a European trade union. Rolf Zimmerman, secretary of the Federation
said workers in Bern, Zurich, Geneva and other cities throughout Switzerland
took part. ... Meanwhile around 7,000 people in Zurich have protested against
an Iraqi war.

Labor Groups Consider Calling in Sick to Protest War With Iraq
Illness as Metaphor
<http://www.villagevoice.com/issues/0312/mamatas.php>
Nick Mamatas, Village Voice, March 14, 2003

Is the war making you ill? In San Francisco, a group called Direct Action to
Stop the War put out the call to call in sick the day the United States
invades Iraq. Most peace demos thus far have been held after work and on
weekends in order to guarantee higher turnouts and to avoid interfering with
the working day, but the rapidly maturing anti-war movement is looking for
ways to dust off the old connections between war and capitalism by
monkeywrenching the economy. ...

Trade unionists protest against preparations of war in Iraq
<http://www.ceskenoviny.cz/view-id.php4?id=20030314F03041>
CTK, March 14, 2003

Prague - In protest against preparations of a possible war in Iraq Czech
employees interrupted work at hundreds of workplaces at noon, they signed
resolutions, protest sirens were wailing at some enterprises or people wore
special ribbons today. Bohemian and Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions
(CMKOS) chairman Milan Stech would not guess how many trade unionists had
participated in the protest action. ... He stressed that at many places even
employers had joined their employees in their protest. ...

European stoppages against Iraq war
<http://www.union-network.org/uniflashes.nsf/58f61ccf5875fe90c12567bb005642f9/

22f4e6142773dcc2c1256ce9004b07c6?OpenDocument>
Union Network International, March 14, 2003

Thousands of workers across Europe today staged brief stoppages in protest at
the threatened war over Iraq. The midday stoppages had been called by the
European Trade Union Confederation. In Geneva worker representatives at the
International Labour Organisation walked out of the Governing Body session at
midday to support the stoppages. "We just have a few days to make clear that
vast majority of the world's peoples are against a war that is not endorsed
by the United Nations," said Philip Jennings, UNI General Secretary - who was
among those who left the ILO meeting at midday. ...

Anti-war marchers cram Madrid to denounce Aznar
<http://biz.yahoo.com/rm/030315/iraq_spain_2.html>
Reuters, March 15, 2003

Madrid - Hundreds of thousands of protesters poured into the centre of Madrid
on Saturday denouncing Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar's support for a US-led
war on Iraq. Prominent actors, writers, opposition politicians and union
leaders led the colourful demonstration as marchers of all ages chanted "No
To The War" and waved placards that said "Aznar Murderer". "They want a war,
but we are not going to leave them in peace," said Portuguese writer and
Nobel laureate José Saramago, reading a pacifist manifesto to thousands of
cheering protesters in Madrid's central square, the Puerta del Sol. A
government spokesman estimated 120,000 people attended the march, while
organisers put the figure at one million. Local media estimated there were
hundreds of thousands of marchers, making it the biggest anti-war
demonstration in Europe on Saturday. ...

Protesters rally against war yet support troops
<http://www.news8austin.com/content/headlines/?ArID=64883&SecID=2>
Tanya Martinez & Associated Press, News 8 Austin, March 15, 2003

Demonstrators from all over the world rallied against war with Iraq Saturday.
In Austin, anti-war protestors gathered at the Capitol condemning war and
expressing solidarity with US troops and veterans. The group Austin Against
War organized the rally and close to 5,000 people showed up to chant anti-war
sentiment and march down Congress Avenue. ... Louis Malfaro, the event's
master of ceremonies and a member of the Austin Central Labor Union, told
protesters that they didn't have to support President Bush's policy toward
Iraq to be a patriot. ... "President Bush, real homeland security starts at
home, in schools and states, focus your attention on need of our people, not
chasing a war," he said. ... "This isn't the America that eradicated slavery.
This isn't the America of the civil rights movement," he said. Malfaro
claims it's time for change. ...

Statement of Michael Letwin, Co-Convener, NYC Labor Against War
Former President, UAW Local 2325/Association of Legal Aid Attorneys
Washington, DC Antiwar Rally, March 15, 2003

Ever since 9/11, there have been some who ask "why is war a labor issue?"
Well, labor knows that this war is about oil profits and US empire; about
distraction from corporate thievery and from a crumbling economy. And we know
who will pay the price. Gulf War I killed 100,000 Iraqis and twelve years of
sanctions have killed another one million - including 750,000 children under
the age of five. How many more Iraqis will die in this war? Fifty-eight
thousand GIs - most of them working class and people of color - were killed
in Vietnam. Nearly half the GIs of Gulf War I have suffered Gulf War
Syndrome. Are we ready to sacrifice another generation for an empire run by
Vietnam Chickenhawks like Bush, Cheney and Wolfkowitz? This antiwar movement
offers the only way to support troops: Bring them home! Right now! ...

Day of action planned to 'pile on the pressure'
<http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/story.jsp?story=387606>
Independent, March 16, 2003

Strikes, walk-outs and mass protests are being planned as a show of civil
disobedience to mark the first day of war. ... The Rail, Maritime and
Transport Union of train drivers and underground workers have produced 12,000
leaflets to support protest action on day one. The Communication Workers'
Union, representing British Telecom and post office employees, have called
for "all members to take protest action on the day war is officially
declared". Bob Crow, RMT general secretary, has urged workers to "pile on the
pressure", adding "if it means sitting on motorways, sitting on streets or
occupying factories, so be it". His members could cause an enormous amount
of disruption on the public transport network. But Mr Crow is adamant that
"if Tony Blair is going to take illegal action, we should also take illegal
action". Under 1980s trade union legislation politically motivated strike
action is illegal.

Press statement on the impending invasion of Iraq!
<http://www.cosatu.org.za/press/2003/[Press]COSATU_on_impending_invasion_of_Ir

aq--15514.html>
Congress of South African Trade Unions, March 17, 2003

COSATU reiterates its condemnation of the imminent US-British invasion of
Iraq. This invasion of Iraq flies in the face of the new effort by the world
to create a climate free of wars and poverty. ... In our view, to the extent
that Bush and Blair do not have any regard to the UN system and did not
bother to table the issues they have with the Security Council, is evident
that both leaders are not committed to multilateralism. The US action smacks
of double standard: the country should also disarm. ...

Brazil Port to Boycott US, UK Ships
<http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=businessNews&storyID=2392003>
Reuters, March 17, 2003

São Paulo - Labor unions at Santos, the largest port in Brazil and Latin
America, are planning a 24-hour strike for peace by boycotting ships and
goods under the US or British banner, a union official said on Monday. "Labor
unions from Santos will meet to vote on proposals on how to voice our desire
for peace and our distaste over the coming war in Iraq," said Marcos Duarte,
the president of the Urban Unions of Santos. ...

Hot Cargo Edict for Iraqi War Cargo
International Longshoremen's Association Local 273, Saint John, NB, Canada,
March 17, 2003

Saint John Longshoremen have declared a "hot cargo" edict for military cargo
destined for the Iraqi war. Unless the United Nations gives its approval, the
port workers have voted to support that position and intend to request other
Saint John workers and citizens to adopt the same stance. The Iraqi war will
be an immoral war. Religious leaders of all denominations and millions of
people throughout the world have spoken out against an attack on the Iraqi
people. ... Only in the United States of America, does there appear to be a
majority of people in favour of this war. A steady diet of pro-war propaganda
from the US administration and a compliant American media have done its job.
...

Council of Trade Unions opposes war on Iraq
<http://www.epmu.org.nz/SITE_Default/news/latest/CTU_on_Iraq_Mar_17_03.asp>
EPMU, March 17, 2003

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions opposes the war on Iraq. In a
resolution passed by the national affiliates' council, the CTU says that it:
"Deplores the cynical linkage by the United States Government of support for
the war to free trade negotiations with the US; condemns any pressure that
is, or may be brought to bear, on New Zealand to drop its nuclear-free policy
in exchange for free-trade negotiations with US; calls on the New Zealand
Government to support strengthening and implementation of existing treaties
and conventions for the elimination of nuclear, chemical and biological
weapons; calls on the New Zealand Government to actively work towards
mandated international inspection of all countries developing and producing
weapons of mass destruction; calls for every effort to be made for a
long-term, peaceful resolution of the current situation." The CTU is calling
for unions to support and participate in rallies and community activities
against the war, and to work to increase understanding among their members of
the current international situation.

Unionists protest: US has divided the world
<http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/200303170019529.php>
Yap Mun Ching & P Nizha, malaysiakini.com, March 17, 2003

Some 150 trade unionists protested in Kuala Lumpur this morning against the
impending war on Iraq, marking the latest in a series of demonstrations held
in the vicinity of the United States embassy. The protesters, representing
the Union Network International - Malaysian Liaison Council (UNI-MLC), were
restricted to demonstrate peacefully at the foot of the Tabung Haji building
in Jalan Tun Razak after police denied a request by the group to gather
outside the embassy building. ... The UNI-MLC represents 120,000 Malaysian
workers from 26 trade union affiliates. Among the groups represented at the
demonstration were National Union of Telekom Employees (NUTE), the National
Union of Newspaper Workers (NUNW), Union of Pos Malaysia Uniformed Staff
(UPUS) and the Resort World Employees' Union (RWEU). ...

Workers allowed Iraq protest
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/2857481.stm>
BBC, March 17, 2003

Anti-war protesters who work for a south Wales council can walk out for 15
minutes on the first day of military action against Iraq. The one-off
demonstration at 1200 GMT is open to most of the 13,000 staff at Rhondda
Cynon Taf council. A minute's silence will also be held. Only those working
directly with vulnerable adults and children will not be able to leave their
workplaces. The Plaid Cymru (Welsh National Party - SE) leadership at RCT
will also join the protest along with trade union representatives and members
at Clydach Vale's Pavilions council offices. Plaid Cymru is against any
military action in Iraq. ...

Stop the war and bring the troops home
<http://www.unison.org.uk/news/news_view.asp?did=701>
UNISON, March 17, 2003

UNISON has today reiterated its position on a possible conflict with Iraq -
saying that without the explicit authority of the United Nations Security
Council war would be "unjustifiable". The union has also released advice to
branches regarding possible workplace workouts and protests in the event of
war. General secretary Dave Prentis said: "Despite the best efforts of large
sections of the international community - and in the face of widespread
public opposition around the world - Britain is standing on the brink of war.
It is up to every UNISON member to make their voice heard and tell the
government that war against Iraq cannot be justified." ...

Italy's main unions to strike when Iraq war starts
<http://www.bostonherald.com/news/international/ap_italy03182003.htm>
Reuters, March 18, 2003

Rome - Italy's three main labor unions will launch national strikes to
protest against war as soon as any attack on Iraq begins, the head of one of
them said Tuesday. ``The three confederations have agreed that as soon as war
operations begin we will proclaim strikes to stop workers,'' Savino Pezzotta,
head of CISL, told reporters. Despite Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's
staunch support for the US hard line on Iraq, a majority of Italians oppose
the war and millions have marched in protest in recent weeks. ... The unions,
CISL, CGIL and UIL, represent some 11 million workers and pensioners. ...

No Justification For War
<http://www.union.org.nz/news/125.html>
New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, March 18, 2003

"There is no legal or moral justification for the US led war against Iraq
which will result in certain death for countless innocent people," Council of
Trade Unions president Ross Wilson said today. ... "Given the bitter
experience of September 11 it is incredible that we now face a situation
where, as part of the US Government's 'war against terror', it intends to
ignore the UN, breach international law and, in the face of overwhelming
opposition from world opinion, take military action against Iraq." Ross
Wilson said the new US policy of unilateral pre-emptive strikes against other
countries could only create increased instability and risk for working people
throughout the world. ...

ACTU Opposes Howard's Illegal War
<http://www.actu.asn.au/public/news/1047971395_6057.html>
Australian Council of Trade Unions, March 18, 2003

The ACTU and its affiliated unions are opposed to John Howard's commitment of
Australia to the looming war with Iraq. ACTU Secretary Greg Combet said that
John Howard was acting in breach of Australia's international obligations.
Unions have long supported a peaceful process to contain and disarm the Iraqi
regime, said Mr Combet. We believe that this process must be carried out by
the United Nations. Mr Combet said that John Howard's cavalier support for
the US attack on Iraq, without UN backing, is not in the interest of the
Australian people. ...

CAW Supports PM's No War Declaration
<http://www.newswire.ca/releases/March2003/18/c1790.html>
Canadian Auto Workers, March 18, 2003

Toronto - Today the CAW's National Executive Board endorsed the Canadian
Government's position on the war against Iraq. Within a matter of hours, the
United States, without the support of the UN, is embarking on a war with
Iraq. The Canadian Auto Workers, steadfast in its opposition to this war
against the people of Iraq and while denouncing the dictatorship of Saddam
Hussein, nonetheless stands solidly with Prime Minister Jean Chrétien's
statement of March 17 announcing Canada will not go to war. It is a
courageous decision on the part of the government of Canada and one that
recognizes the position taken by a majority of Canadians, indeed, by a
majority of countries that make up the United Nations. ...

Bombing To Trigger 5pm Vigil
<http://www.labor.net.au/news/2935.html>
Labornet, March 18, 2003

The Labor Council of NSW has called on workers to leave their jobs at 5pm the
day the bombing of Iraq begins and converge on Sydney's Town Hall for a Peace
Vigil. Labor Council secretary John Robertson said the Howard Government's
undemocratic support for the attacks on Iraq was against the interests of
Australian workers and their families. "Working people and their families
have an important role to play in placing public pressure on the Howard
Government over their breach of international obligations. ... "

Resolution for Urgent Action to Block the War
San Francisco Labor Council (AFL-CIO), March 19, 2003

The San Francisco Labor Council (AFL-CIO) affirms that there is still time -
though not much time - for the US Congress to stop unelected George W. Bush's
unjust and illegitimate war against the people of Iraq. The San Francisco
Labor Council (AFL-CIO) calls upon House and Senate Minority Leaders Rep.
Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Tom Daschle to insist that President Bush appear
immediately before a Joint Session of Congress to respond to questions raised
in resolutions introduced by Representatives Sherrod Brown, Joe Hoeffel, and
Ellen Tauscher and Senator Russell Feingold. ... The US Congress and the
American people deserve to know the answers to the pointed questions raised
by these members of Congress before allowing US troops to be sent into harm's
way. Such a Joint Session of Congress could then take immediate emergency
action to adopt HJR 20, a resolution introduced by Rep. Barbara Lee and 35
other members of Congress that would repeal Congressional authorization of
use of military force against Iraq. Finally, the San Francisco Labor Council
(AFL-CIO) calls upon all members of the US Congress - particularly the
delegation from California - to repeal the authorization to use military
force against Iraq by endorsing and urging immediate adoption of HJR 20.
(adopted unanimously by SF Labor Council Executive Board, March 19, 2003)

Some Workingclass Web Sites on the War:

Health Community Against the War
<http://www.healthnotwar.cedant.com>
Health Workers Against Smallpox Vaccinations <http://www.healthworkers.org>
LabourStart Iraq Page <http://www.labourstart.org/iraq>
Massachusetts Labor for Justice with Peace
<http://www.unionwebservices.com/laborfjwp>
Military Families Speak Out <http://www.mfso.org>
New York City Labor Against War
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LaborAgainstWar>
UE: No to War!
<http://www.ranknfile-ue.org/notowar.html>
United for Peace & Justice <http://www.unitedforpeace.org>
US Labor Against the War <http://www.uslaboragainstwar.org>
Veterans Against the Iraq War
<http://www.vaiw.org/vet/index.php>

FAIR USE NOTICE: This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has
not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. I am making
such material available in an effort to advance understanding of
environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and
social justice issues, etc. I believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any
such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright
Law. In accordance with Title 17 US Section 107, the material on this site is
distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in
receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For
more information go to: <http://www.law.cornell.edu/asked/17/107.shtml>. If
you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own
that go beyond 'fair use,' you must obtain permission from the copyright
owner.