Iraqi oil contractors begin sit-in outside Oil Ministry demanding permanent jobs

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Dozens of contract workers from Iraqi oil companies have begun an open-ended sit-in in front of the Oil Ministry, demanding permanent employment after years on temporary contracts. The protesters said they would maintain the demonstration, including overnight, until their demands are met, and set up tents outside the ministry building in Baghdad. The workers said they have spent years in contract status, leaving them in uncertainty and without the benefits attached to permanent posts. They called on the ministry to issue a decision converting their positions to permanent employment and accused authorities of breaking earlier promises to grant them staff positions. The group urged the ministry to resolve the issue quickly, saying prolonged job insecurity had taken a toll on them and their families. Public sources did not indicate whether ministry officials had met with the demonstrators or issued any response to the protest.