Memur-Sen and ILC Delegation Made Critical Contacts in Iran and Iraq: Emphasizing Regional Peace and Trade Union Cooperation

A delegation led by Ali Yalçın, President of Employers' Union and International Labor Confederation (ILC), discussed regional trade union solidarity, joint capacity building programs and the role of the labor movement at the international level during its official visit to Iran and Iraq. In meetings with senior bureaucrats, union leaders and Turkish embassies, it was emphasized that unions play a key role not only in defending rights but also in building regional peace.

The delegation led by Memur-Sen and ILC President Ali Yalçın and ILC Secretary General Hamza Öksüz visited Iran and Iraq, two countries of strategic importance for the future of the labor movement in the Middle East. Completed on October 7, 2025, the chain of contacts aimed to improve union organizing and build common sense and solidarity.

The delegation also visited Turkey's Ambassador to Baghdad Anıl Bora Inan, who said, "The active role of the Turkish trade union movement in the region is as valuable for regional peace as it is for workers' rights." The last stop of the Iraq program was Baghdad Mansour Maarif School.

Iran Contacts: Common Attitude Against Israeli Attacks

The delegation's visit to Iran began with a meeting with the leaders of Iran's Worker's House, one of the country's oldest labor organizations and a member of the ILC Executive Board. The meeting, which was also attended by presidential representatives and media representatives, emphasized the message of union solidarity against Israeli attacks.

Ali Yalcin, in his speech here, said, "As the ILC, we issued a statement of solidarity during the Israeli attacks. Today, I would like to emphasize once again 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 also to humanity" he said, taking a clear stance.

President of Workers' House Ali Rıza Mahcup described the ILC as "the truest voice of labor in the world" and announced their readiness to host training programs.

In Iran, the delegation also met with Minister of Labor Ahmed Miri and President of the Institute of Labor and Social Security Sadeghi Far to discuss occupational health and safety and joint training programs. The delegation also visited Workers' House affiliated cooperatives, schools and the University of Applied Sciences and Technology. Yalçın urged the students "It is our common responsibility to raise a generation that will be the hope of the future. Therefore, we must work harder than ever before" he called.

At the end of the program, the delegation visited the Tehran Turkish School and was received by Turkish Ambassador to Tehran Hicabi Kırlangıç.

Giving an overview of the visit, Ali Yalçın said, "Peace and stability in our region will only be achieved by the peoples and working people standing shoulder to shoulder" and once again emphasized the responsibility of labor organizations for regional peace.