Iraq's southern oil workers in government reshuffle

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.upi.com/International_Security/Energy/Analysis/2008/05/30/analysis_iraq_government_shakes_oil_union/5517/

Published: May 30, 2008 at 5:03 PM

By BEN LANDO
UPI Energy Editor
ERBIL, Iraq, May 30 (UPI) -- The Iraqi government has moved, demoted or fired more than a dozen people within the southern Iraqi oil sector this month as domestic and international union officials decry their treatment.

This week reports surfaced that South Oil Co. Director General Abdul Jabbar Lauby was removed from the head of Iraq's largest and most productive state oil company, as well as the head of the South Gas Co. and Iraqi Oil Tankers Co.

United Press International is told that the leadership at the top of the South Refineries Co. will be removed as well.

Lauby was offered a position as adviser to the Oil Ministry but reportedly has not accepted the position. Phone calls and e-mails to the ministry were not returned.

"It's something up to the government," said Hassan Juma'a Awad, president of the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions.

He said 11 people from the South Refinery Co. were demoted or fired. Eight were union members, including the vice president, the central committee manger and the secretary of culture and information, Awad said. The three administrative staff include the director general's secretary, and administration and finance officers.

FULL story at link.