
STUC congress condemned the attack on Iraq yesterday and branded the ongoing occupation as a "humanitarian disaster."
Delegates also called for solidarity with all bona fide trade union organisations in Iraq.
AUT delegate Terry Brotherstone slammed the "Basil Fawlty" nature of the Labour politicians "who have made whole speeches here this week without mentioning the war at all."
He said: "Iraq is not a separate issue for trade unions - the assault on the Iraqi people and the anti-working-class policies pursued at home are causally linked - they come from the same stable of capitalist globalisation."
Fire Brigades Union delegate Linda Shanahan said that the term "end of hostilities" should only be used in inverted commas.
"When I hear politicians talk about the war no-one wanted, as if its all done and dusted and there's no more killing or violence, it makes me really angry," she added.
"Lets get the speediest withdrawal of troops that we can, get medical aid in and build support for trade unions to secure the right to freedom and democracy for all Iraqis."
UNISON delegate Angela Lynes said that her union was proud to be working with Iraqi and Kurdish trade unionists through the Iraqi Federation of Trade Unions.
Pointing out that the occupation affects us all, she said: "I doubt if I am the only person in this hall who has friends or relatives in Iraq.
"The occupation must end and our troops must be brought home," she said.
"UN Resolution 1546 provides a process and a timetable for withdrawal - and that must be no later than the end of this year. Perhaps my brother will see his baby born rather than be brought home in a box."
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