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Written question asked by Nadia Whittome (Labour) on Friday, 7 March 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 12 March 2025 (named day). It was answered by Hamish Falconer (Labour) on Wednesday, 12 March 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Iraq and Kurds: Conditions of Employment

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with the (a) Iraqi Government and (b) Kurdish Regional Government on (i) resolving the teachers’ dispute and (ii) protecting workers' rights in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Answer

Through the UK's diplomatic engagements with the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), we continue to encourage greater cooperation to resolve outstanding issues. This includes disputes between Baghdad and Erbil around federal budget allocations and salary payments.

The UK is aware that payments of KRG civil servants' salaries have been missed, and that this has led to continued teachers' protests. This is despite a ruling by Iraq's Federal Supreme Court last year, which mandated that the salaries of KRG civil servants, including teachers, must be paid by Baghdad.

Our Ambassador in Baghdad, and our Consul General in Erbil continue to advocate for greater workers' rights and employment protections across Iraq, and a resolution to this dispute.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
36462
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Conditions of employment Industrial disputes Iraq Teachers Kurds
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk