Al-Ayen Iraqi University – SDG 8 Progress Report (2024)
The right of all workers (whether Iraqis, women, or foreign workers) to form associations or labor unions |
Al-Ayen Iraqi University is legally obligated to recognize the right of all its workers (whether Iraqis, women, or foreign workers) to form associations or labor unions, and this obligation is based directly on the Iraqi Constitution and the effective Labor Law. As a private, non-governmental educational institution, Al-Ayen Iraqi University is legally considered an "employer." It and all its employees are subject to the provisions of the Iraqi Labor Law No. (37) of 2015. Under this law, Al-Ayen University is considered an "employer," and all its workers (administrators, technicians, teaching staff, and service workers) are considered "workers" who have rights and obligations regulated by this law. The Constitutional Guarantee (The Supreme Law) The 2005 Iraqi Constitution is the supreme umbrella that guarantees this right indisputably. • Article (39): Clearly states, "The freedom to establish unions and professional federations, or to join them, is guaranteed, and this shall be regulated by law." This constitutional text is the highest guarantee, and any law or procedure (including the university's internal regulations) that conflicts with this right is considered unconstitutional. The Labor Law (The Implementation and Protection Mechanism) Labor Law No. (37) of 2015 is the law that "regulates" the right guaranteed by the Constitution. It provides explicit protection for all the aforementioned categories: First: The Right to Organize (Article 101) The labor law explicitly states in Article (101) that workers have the right "to establish their trade union organizations" and join them freely. Second: The Principle of "Non-Discrimination" (Includes Women and Foreigners) • The Legal Text (Article 101): "Workers... without discrimination of any kind, have the right to form their trade union organizations..." Therefore, Al-Ayen University applies this principle: • It prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. Women working at the university have the full right, on equal footing with men, to establish, join, and lead unions. • It also includes non-discrimination based on nationality. As long as the foreign worker (employee and teaching staff) works at Al-Ain University legally (under a work contract and holding a work permit in accordance with the law), they enjoy the same labor rights as the Iraqi worker, including the right to join unions. Conclusion: Al-Ayen Iraqi University is legally obligated to the following: 1. Non-interference: The university administration may not legally prevent or obstruct any group of workers from establishing an association or union. 2. Protection from Retaliation: The university may not punish (by dismissal, transfer, or salary reduction) any worker because of their union activity or membership in the association. 3. Future Negotiation: Once the union is legally formed, it becomes the legitimate representative of the workers, and the university is obligated to engage in "collective bargaining" with it regarding work conditions, wages, and the work environment. In short, the legal position is clear: the Constitution guarantees the right, and the law protects all workers (Iraqis, women, and foreigners) without discrimination. |
* Al-Ayen Iraqi University fully recognizes and supports labor rights, including the freedom of association, collective bargaining, and the right to legal recourse for all staff, both men and women, in accordance with the Iraqi Constitution and national labor legislation.
1. As part of the National Higher Education Strategy 2024, the Continuing Education Center at Al-Ayen Iraqi University organized a workshop titled “Developing Legal Skills” (March 30–31, 2024), which addressed employees’ rights to litigation and fair administrative relations. The training emphasized staff members’ rights to file complaints, engage in fair dispute resolution, and protect their employment rights through recognized legal channels.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/2180
2. Al-Ayen Iraqi University demonstrates a strong institutional commitment to gender equality and inclusive labour participation. The university actively participates in national programs such as the Festival of Women’s Development and Creativity, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, where Al-Ayen Iraqi University was honored for its outstanding role in supporting women’s empowerment and social inclusion. The university’s president received recognition for promoting women’s leadership and participation in academic and administrative decision-making, reflecting compliance with the National Strategy for Iraqi Women.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/3330
3. Women Empowerment Unit at the College of Health and Medical Technologies, Al-Ayen Iraqi University, held a specialized workshop titled “Empowering Women in the Field of Optometry – A New Vision for a Bright Future.” The session highlighted the importance of women’s representation in the health sciences, skill enhancement, and equal access to professional opportunities. Such activities contribute to sustainable equality and support women’s professional advancement in line with global labour standards.
