October 24, 2018
To the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hassan Rouhani
Re Jailed truck drivers and workers of Iran
On behalf of 77,000 union members of the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union, I would like to share my concern regarding the situation of detained truck drivers in Iran.
The BCGEU is extremely disturbed by the news out of Iran regarding the arrest of more than 250 truckers and the death treats issued by Islamic Judiciary against the drivers.
On October 8th a court in the Province of Qazvin asked for the death penalty for 17 drivers who participated in a nationwide strike.
We are demanding that the Iranian government recognize the rights of these truck drivers, union activist and human rights activists in Iran to use strikes in their attempts to affect change in the lives of workers. We are demanding the unconditional and immediate release of all the detained drivers and asking your government to recognize their demands.
This is not the first time the Islamic Republic has violated basic workers’ rights and human rights. The continuation of these kind of actions shows that there is no respect for workers and union activists. It is not leaving us any choice except to join the call to the International Labour Organization (ILO) to expel Iran.
We are joining the international voices that are calling on your government to recognize basic workers’ rights and human rights. The BCGEU stands in solidarity with truckers and all freedom lovers in Iran for prosperity, equality and justice.
Yours truly
Stephanie Smith President