Unions condemn the Prime Minister’s and Federal Government’s subservient support for the demands of the US President which has led Australia into a war which is immoral, undemocratic and does not have the legal authority of the UN.

The ACTU also condemns the regime of Saddam Hussein and the violations of human and trade union rights.

The Prime Minister has failed to establish the threat that Iraq poses to Australia or indeed the real purpose of this war. There have been attempts to justify Australia’s involvement in the war on different grounds including the possession of weapons of mass destruction, the link to terrorism, the need for regime change and Australia’s security. These grounds have not been established and therefore do not form a justified basis for our involvement.

Further the Prime Minister has failed to address a number of key concerns troubling millions of Australians opposed to the war. These include:

• humanitarian and economic costs of the conflict;
• why a disarmament process, which was making progress, could not continue;
• the unexplained political role of the United States in a post-war Iraq;
• the potential for long term destabilisation in the Middle East and globally;
• the heightened risk to Australia’s security; and
• the Australian Government’s attitude toward the UN and its support or otherwise for international law.

The ACTU re-affirms long-held principles of Australian unions which include:

• an abhorrence of war and an unequivocal condemnation of terrorism;
• respect for international law through the UN;
• support for disarmament of all nations in regard to biological, chemical and nuclear weapons and their means of delivery;
• a commitment to democracy and human and trade union rights along with the capacity for genuine prosecution through the ICC, ILO and other appropriate bodies; and
• solidarity with those who oppose war and campaign for peaceful coexistence.

The ACTU supports the widespread community concern for the welfare of Australia’s troops who are bearing the brunt of the Government’s decision.

Unions demand an end to this war and call for the troops to be brought home. We urge opposition parties to work collectively to generate political pressure on the Government such as to secure both these objectives.

There is life threatening destruction of water and electricity infrastructure, increasing injury and death. Innocent Iraqi families are being brutalised and the Red Cross is currently warning of an impending humanitarian catastrophe. Accordingly, the ACTU calls for:

• an immediate cease fire negotiated under the auspices of the UN;
• the immediate mobilisation of humanitarian aid at all levels including union support for APHEDA’s appeal;
• the Australian Government to make a significant and ongoing commitment to a UN led humanitarian aid, refugee and reconstruction program; and
• the immediate permanent settlement of all Iraqi refugees in Australia holding Temporary Protection Visas.

The ACTU supports the involvement of unions and their members in community and workplace activities working to end the war inclusive of;

• the establishment of a national union anti-war campaign committee;
• unions’ education campaigns;
• workplace meetings and days of action; and
• peace rallies and other protest action.

We urge delegations to all local politicians to ensure their opposition to, or expose their support for, this unjustified invasion of Iraq and request that unions both distribute relevant material and maximise support for Palm Sunday and May Day rallies.

Unions will work to stop the war.