Basra union chief says some firms dismissing workers without severance

BASRA, Iraq — The head of the Basra Workers' Trade Unions Federation, Ahmed Fawzi al-Haffaj, said on Wednesday that some companies in the city have been laying off workers without paying severance or statutory benefits. In remarks to the press, al-Haffaj said that the termination of an employment contract does not strip workers of their entitlements, and that companies must meet all legally required payments, bonuses and compensation. Al-Haffaj described workers' pursuit of their rights as legitimate and said the federation would follow up with the relevant authorities to secure outcomes in their favor. He added that workers' rights are guaranteed by law, not a matter of favor, and must be respected. No further details on the affected companies or the number of workers involved were immediately available.