Iraqi oil workers on shut down

Oil workers have shut down refineries in the south of Iraq as part of a rolling strike. Members of the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions (IFOU) launched their strike after the government reneged on a promise to release benefits payments.

The strike began on Monday this week with the closure of a key pipeline. On Tuesday a second pipeline that feeds power stations in Basra was also shut down.

The IFOU, led by Hassan Jumaa Awad, has been campaigning against the US-sponsored oil law that would hive off the industry to multinationals.

Now the union is demanding that the US-backed Iraqi government hand control of the industry to local committees.

For more on the strike and updates go to » www.handsoffiraqioil.org