MEMUR-SEN AND ILC DELEGATION HOLD CRITICAL TALKS IN IRAN AND IRAQ: Regional Peace Hinges on Labour Solidarity

A delegation led by Ali Yalçın, President of the Confederation of Public Servants Trade Unions (Memur-Sen) and the International Labour Confederation (ILC), concluded a high-stakes official visit to Iran and Iraq. The mission focused on strengthening trade union cooperation, developing joint capacity programs, and emphasizing the role of the labour movement in achieving regional stability. High-level meetings with government officials, union leaders, and Turkish Ambassadors underscored the delegation's message that workers' organizations are key builders of peace, not just advocates for rights.

Memur-Sen and ILC President Ali Yalçın, along with ILC Secretary-General Hamza Öksüz, spearheaded the diplomatic effort to the two strategically vital nations in the Middle East. The chain of contacts, finalized on October 7, 2025, aimed to foster common sense and solidarity to advance trade union organization across the region.

Iraq Talks: Full Support for Union Organization

The Iraq leg of the visit began at the Iraqi Workers' Union Federation. The delegation met with Federation President and ILC Board Member Settar Denbous to discuss strengthening international labour cooperation and planning ILC's future activities.

Denbous described the ILC as a vital bridge for regional solidarity, stating, “For the Iraqi labour movement, increasing international solidarity, sharing experiences, and meeting at joint workshops are extremely valuable.”

President Ali Yalçın reinforced this message of support, assessing that “The primary duty of unions is not only to advocate for rights but also to build common sense and solidarity. The strengthening of the union structure in Iraq will bring new momentum to the regional labour movement.”

The delegation also visited the Iraqi Minister of Labour, where they were briefed on current regulatory efforts regarding trade union organization laws. The Minister expressed an aim for “a more inclusive structure by drawing on international experience.” Furthermore, the Iraqi Teachers' Union was visited to discuss universal issues and cooperation opportunities in education.

The delegation also met with Turkey’s Ambassador to Baghdad, Anıl Bora İnan, who remarked that “The active role of the Turkish labour movement in the region is valuable not only for workers’ rights but also for regional peace.”

Iran Agenda: Joint Stand Against Israeli Attacks

The Iran segment of the visit centered on a meeting with the governing board of the Iranian Worker’s House, one of the country's oldest labour organizations and an ILC Board Member. The meeting, attended by representatives from the Presidential Office and local media, was highlighted by a strong message of union solidarity against Israeli attacks.

In his address, Ali Yalçın took a firm stance: “As the ILC, we issued a solidarity statement during the Israeli attacks. I want to emphasize once again today that we are determined to take the solidarity between our organizations to the highest level. Israel is a threat not only to the region but to humanity as well.”

Worker’s House President Ali Rıza Mahcup praised the ILC as “the most genuine voice of labour in the world,” and offered to host ILC training programs.

The delegation also held discussions with the Iranian Minister of Labour Ahmed Miri and the President of the Institute for Labour and Social Security Sadeghi Far on occupational health and safety and joint training programs.

Concluding his remarks during the visit, Ali Yalçın underscored the responsibility of labour organizations for regional stability: “A more just world is possible when we stand together. Peace and stability in our region will only be achieved when peoples and workers join forces.”