The IFOU is an anti-occupation, anti-privatisation and politically independent federation of Iraqi oil workers, who are fighting to resist both the corporations and the US/UK occupation forces. It is a non-sectarian federation that aims to unite all oil workers in Iraq, and has also worked to expel oil company bosses who were supporters of Saddam Hussein.

Members of the IFOU face harassment, intimidation, and threats of death on a daily basis, and support from other groups, such as UK activist groups, is critical if independent trade unionism in Iraq is to survive.