Condemn the Islamic Republic for the repression of workers
Judiciary of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in coordination with security agencies, summoned 16 workers of Hepco Factory. The workers have been accused of “propaganda against the regime and participation in illegal assembly”. Three of the workers have already been arrested by the security forces in Arak province.
Workers of Hepco Factory have not been paid for 8 months and have been abandoned in process of privatisation of the factory.
Workers of Hepco had held protests and assemblies after the general director of the factory and relevant state offices failed to fulfil their promise to pay the delayed wages.
The protests and assemblies that included families of the workers in Arak city, chanted slogans against the “empty promises”, and in objection to “insecurity”, and escalated their protest by blocking railways.
In these protests, the Islamic Regime arrested 10 workers but after protest by workers and popular support for them, they were released on bail. However, now, after closure of the factory and dispersion of the workers the government has taken the opportunity to persecute the workers.
Workers in Iran protest against poverty and corruption, and for the most basic needs and social securities and insurances that all workers must have.
Many workers have not been paid for months, mass unemployment and expulsion of workers has escalated, so workers protest against the widespread harassment and abuse of workers.
The workers in Iran expect support of all labour organisations and international institutions from around the world. The workers’ struggle is their fight for life, and they deserve all the support.
We demand the following:
-Retracting the summons of Hepco workers
-Immediate end to persecution of Hepco workers
-Closing files that have been made for Hepco workers by security forces
-Immediate release of three detained Hepco workers
We ask everyone to condemn summoning of 16 Hepco workers, persecution of Hepco workers, and to protest imprisonment of the workers.
We ask everyone to call for release of all jailed workers, teachers, and political activists in Iran.
September 21, 2018