Workers In Iran December 16-24, 2018
“Jailed workers must be freed” families of detained steelworkers in Iran raise in their protest
On 24th December 2018, families of the arrested steelworkers of National Steel Group of Ahvaz in Khuzestan province, Iran, protested in front of provincial governor’s office in Ahvaz.
“Jailed workers must be freed”, “father I’m waiting for you”, “free my father”, and “free my son” were written on placards that the families of the workers held up.
So far 6 workers have been released on bail but 26 of them are still in custody. The steelworkers demand immediate and unconditional release of all the workers and have pledged to restart their protests if all the workers are not released.
Workers of Aria Steel Corporation in Khuzestan, Iran, protest non payment of their wages
On 24th December 2018, workers of Aria Steel Corporation (industrial equipment supplier) in Andimeshk in Khuzestan province, Iran, held an assembly to protest non payment of their wages.
The workers who have not been paid for 6 months gathered in front of governor’s office of Andimeshk as the employers refuses to pay their wages or answer their demands.
Workers of Nowshahr Power Station in Mazandaran province, Iran, protest non payment of wages
On 23rd December 2018, workers of Nowshahr Power Station (electricity) in Mazandaran province, Iran, held an assembly to protest non payment of their wages.
The workers who haven’t been for several months are facing serious financial issues as the employer refuses to pay their wages.
Non payment of wages has forced many workers in different industries in Iran into poverty. Many workers have been left with no option to strike and protest as employers either do not negotiate or don’t answer or excuse themselves by saying “there is no money”.
Iran: cement workers protest expulsion of their colleague, employers promises to give his job back
On 22nd December 2018, workers of Karun cement factory in Khuzestan, Iran, protest expulsion of their colleague.
The workers in front of the office building of the factory and demanded reinstate of their colleague who has been expelled by “excuse of end of contract”. The worker with 16 years experience was dismissed on 21st December 2018.
The employer promised to reinstate the dismissed worker so the protesting workers said that they will continue to protest if the promise isn’t fulfilled.
Cement workers in Isfahan, Iran, go on strike over non payment of their wages
On 23rd December 2018, workers of Naeen Cement Corporation in city of Naeen in Isfahan province, Iran, went on strike over non payment of their wages.
The workers who have not been paid for 5 months stopped working and protested non payment of their wages.
The employers have been refusing to pay or to answer workers regarding the payment.
The workers are facing serious financial issues as a result of non payment of their wages and have been left with no option to go on strike.
Workers of ball-bearing factory of Tabriz in Iran, strike over non payment of their wages
On 23rd December 2018, workers of ball-bearing factory of Tabriz in Azerbaijan province, Iran, went on strike over non payment of their wages.
The workers who have not been paid for 4 months stopped working and protested in the factory as the employer doesn’t pay the wages and refuses to answer the workers.
The workers who already struggle because of high prices of goods and high inflation have gone under immense financial pressure since the employer refuses to pay their wages.
Kayson workers in Iran regard non payment of wages as “crime”, “theft” and “embezzlement”
On 23rd December 2018, worker of Kayson, Engineering and Construction company, that in charge of urban train in Ahvaz in Khuzestan, Iran, held second day of assembly to protest non payment of their wages.
Non payment of 18 months of wages and refusal of the employers to pay or to answer the workers have left them with no option to protest.
The workers regard non payment of the wages as “crime”, “theft” and “embezzlement”.
Iran: “warning strike” of truck drivers and truckers has expanded to 28 cities on its 3rd day
On 24th December 2018, “warning strike” of truckers and truck drivers in Iran reached 28 cities and it’s expanding.
Striking drivers and truckers have been sharing clips about their strike on social media and in support of steelworkers of Ahvaz they have demanded immediate and unconditional release of the jailed workers.
Protesting teachers and retirees in Azerbaijan province, Iran, say no to “blatant crime” against retirees
On 23rd December 2018, retirees and teachers in Tabriz in Azerbaijan province, Iran, held an assembly in front of the offices of the Ministry of Education.
The retirees and the teachers protest against the imposition of poverty, injustice, discrimination, embezzlement, the dire situation of schools, lack of free education, lack of free health care and insurance, and low wages.
The protesters emphasised the importance of unity of workers and teachers. “Worker, teacher, unite, unite”, was one of the main slogans in the protest.
They also objected to the arrests of striking sugar cane and steelworkers and declared their support for and solidarity with the workers.
The protesters strongly condemned the imposition of brutal poverty on hundreds of thousands of retirees calling it a “blatant crime” against them.
The retirees and the teachers showed determination in pursuing their demands.
Workers of cement factory in Khuzestan, Iran, protest over unpaid wages
On 23rd December 2018, workers of a cement factory in Masjed Solyeman in Khuzestan province, Iran held an assembly to protest over unpaid wages and insurance.
Around 100 workers who haven’t been paid for several months gathered in the factory to protest.
On top of high prices and inflation, the non-payment of wages has put many workers and their families under immense pressure. Workers of different industries and institutions in Iran have been protesting over non-payment of wages and the poverty that has been imposed on them.
Iran, Qazvin: employer denies workers entry with excuse of “lack of financial resources”
On 23rd December 2018, workers of Kavosh (a company that manufactures pressure vessels) in Qazvin province, Iran, protested in front of the company’s premises as the employer denied them entry, claiming that there is a “lack of financial resources”.
Recently the company expelled 60 workers and the 140 remaining workers have not been paid for the month.
Esmail Bakhshi thanks people for their support
On 23nd December 2018, Esmail Bakhshi, the workers’ representative and leader of the Haft Tapeh sugar cane workers in Khuzestan, Iran, published a letter to thank everyone for their support.
In the letter he expresses his deep appreciation for the kindness he and his family have received.
-First day of ten-day “warning strike” of truck drivers in Iran starts in several provinces
On 22nd December 2018, truck drivers in Iran started their first day of a ten-day “warning strike”.
Truck drivers use social media media platforms to spread news and to collectively decide on their actions. Despite threats and intimidation from agents of the Iranian regime on the platforms, the workers went ahead with the strike.
On its first day, the strike took place in Isfahan, Yazd, Tabriz, Bandar-e Chabahar, Bandar-e Khomeini, Sari, several cities in the Kurdistan and Kermanshah provinces, as well as drivers and truckers of the cooperative of Mazandaran province. There are reports of many empty motorways in key places in Iran.
Drivers of Faradis Corporation also went on strike over unreasonable fines which they regard as bribery. Urban Fleet Transport Buses of Tehran also joined the workers and gathered in front of the office of the Organisation of Municipalities in Tehran.
The striking drivers and truckers object to poverty, harsh working conditions, unfair contracts, lack of insurance, a system of corruption and widespread embezzlement, unsafe roads and lack of rights to organise independently.
– Under pressure, Iranian officials contradict one another over the arrested steelworkers
On 22nd December 2018, three of the arrested steelworkers in Ahvaz in Khuzestan province, Iran, were freed: Majid Jenadeleh, Ali Aghbi, and Arash Mohamadpour. 29 more steelworkers are still in custody. Steelworkers of the National Steel Group of Ahvaz and the families of the arrested workers demand their immediate and unconditional release.
A team that included the prosecutor of Khuzestan province, the provincial governor’s political and security deputy, the general director of Khuzestan’s Ministry of Intelligence and a group of intelligence security forces came to the factory and announced that the arrested workers would not be released any time soon and warned the workers about further protests.
A judge told the solicitor of the arrested steelworkers that the Ministry of Intelligence has the authority over the cases. However, the provincial governor announced that 20 workers are going to be released and that the rest would also be freed.
Workers regard the contradictory statements of the officials as a result of their disagreements and worries about further protests.
The steelworkers have received more international support. The TUC has released a statement in support of the workers and condemned the oppression of workers, activists and students in Iran. Valter Sanches, General Secretary of IndustriALL Global Union, which has over 50 million members in 140 countries, has also written to President Rouhani condemning the arrests and demanding the release of the workers.
Workers of gas supply station in Khuzestan, Iran, strike over 6 months of unpaid wages
On 22nd December 2018, workers of a gas supply station in Andimeshk in Khuzestan province, Iran, entered the fourth day of their strike over unpaid wages.
The workers have not been paid for 6 months and have been left with no option but to strike as the employers simply don’t pay.
Not paying workers their wages is widespread in Iran and workers of many industries and institutions struggle to make ends meet.
High prices, inflation, and non-payment of wages has pushed many workers and their families into poverty.
Kayson workers in Khuzestan, Iran, hold assembly to protest over 19 months of unpaid wages
On 22nd December 2018, workers of Kayson Engineering and Construction, a company in charge of urban trains in Ahvaz, held an assembly to protest over unpaid wages.
The workers gathered in front of the company’s head office as they have not been paid 19 months of their wages.
The employer refuses to pay and keeps making excuses such as “There is no money”, which the workers find unacceptable.
Municipality workers of Abadan in Khuzestan province, Iran, protest over unpaid wages
on 22nd December 2018, municipality workers of Abadan in Khuzestan province, Iran, held an assembly to protest over unpaid wages.
The workers who have not been paid for four months gathered in front of the municipality office in Abadan and demanded their wages.
Not paying workers their wages is a widespread issue in Iran and many workers and their families struggle to make ends meet.
Machinery manufacturing workers in Azerbaijan province, Iran, strike over unpaid wages
On 21st December 2018, workers of Tabriz Machinery Manufacturing Company in Azerbaijan province, Iran, went on strike over unpaid wages.
The workers who have not been paid 6 months of their wages were left with no option but to go on strike as negotiations with the employers failed.
The workers worry about their future as production has fallen by 70% and some production lines have been closed.
In the past few years as many as 200,000 machinery manufacturing workers have lost their jobs in Iran.
Retirees in Tehran, Kermanshah and Rasht protest for their rights and call for the release of dissidents
On 19th December 2018, retirees in the cities of Kermanshah and Rasht held assemblies to protest for their demands and called for the release of imprisoned workers, teachers and political activists.
Over 3000 retirees were holding a protest in front of the Iranian Majles (parliament) in Tehran, whilst retirees in Kermanshah and Rasht were also protesting against poverty, injustice, lack of free healthcare, lack of free and quality education, against embezzlement and corruption which affects their lives, and called for the release of imprisoned dissidents.
The retirees chanted slogans and carried banners to emphasise the importance of unity among the different parts of society in the struggle for change.
Retirees from northern cities such as Anzali, Lahijan, Roodsar and Langrood had come to Rasht to take part in the assembly in front of the provincial governor’s office.
Steelworkers in Iran: we don’t need to “become reasonable”, “Free our colleagues!”
On 19th December 2018, a group of steelworkers of the National Steel Group of Ahvaz in Khuzestan province, Iran, attended the Islamic Court to leave guarantees for the release of 21 of their arrested colleagues but the court stated that guarantees from workers of the National Group would not be accepted.
The workers released a statement to condemn the court and the authorities for breaking their promises of releasing the workers. They called on the steelworkers and members of the public to gather in front of the court with their employment and ID documents to demand the release of the arrested workers.
Some of the steelworkers had a meeting with the prosecutor of the court and he promised them to release most of the workers in a day or two. The prosecutor has now said that the workers may have to stay a bit longer to “become reasonable”.
The steelworkers made it clear in their statement that they don’t need to “become reasonable”, they demand the “immediate and unconditional release” of their colleagues. The workers have rejected the justifications of the prosecutor for the arrests and keeping the workers in custody and pledged to continue to protest for the release of the arrested workers.
So far only Habib Tabatabaie, one of the steelworkers, has been released as his family was able to secure his freedom. There are another 40 workers still in custody.
There has been widespread support for the workers and condemnation of the arrests in Iran. The people and workers in different parts of Iran have started initiatives in defence of the workers. For instance, steelworkers of Arian Steel of Buin Zahra in Qazvin province held an assembly in front of the governor’s office of Buin Zahra to protest against the arrest of steelworkers in Ahvaz and demanded their freedom.
Petrochemical workers in Bandar-e Mahshahr, Iran, continue their protest over low wages
On 18th December 2018, workers of the Farabi Petrochemical Corporation in Bandar-e Mahshahr in Khuzestan province, Iran, continued their protest for the 7th consecutive day.
The workers have been holding assemblies to protest against their low wages and for fair contracts.
The workers are on very low wages and struggle to make ends meet because of high inflation, high prices and widespread poverty.
Unpaid hospital staff protest for the 31st time in Karaj, Iran
On 18th December 2018, staff of the Imam Khomeini Hospital in Karaj in Tehran province, Iran, protested for the 31st time.
Staff of the hospital that is being handed over to the private sector have not been paid for 12 months and the future of the hospital is uncertain.
Despite contracts not being renewed, the staff continue to work and to take care of the patients. In one of the previous protests, the patients joined the staff and marched towards the Iranian Majles (parliament).
No one has responded to the staff and no one takes responsibility for the unpaid wages or for the situation the staff and the patients are in.
Retired telecommunications workers in Shiraz, Iran, block the road in front of provincial governor’s office
On 17th December 2018, retired telecommunications workers in Shiraz, Iran, blocked the road in front of the provincial governor’s office to protest the very long delay in being paid still outstanding wages.
The group of retired workers, who represent the demands of 1200 workers, objected to the delay in being paid their wages and benefits that are overdue for more than a decade.
Many retirees in Iran face issues such as non-payment of their benefits, their insurance, lack of access to healthcare and some of them are still owed wages.
Four more children lose their lives to “unsafe schools” in Iran
On 18th December 2018, a girls’ school in Zahedan province in Iran caught fire and four children lost their lives.
The over-crowded small classroom did not have any safety standards and an oil heater was used for heating. The fire started after the handle of a pupil’s schoolbag got caught in the heater which then fell over. The room had thin wooden walls and went up in flames very quickly; four children couldn’t be saved.
Mona Khosrowparast, Saba Arabi, Yekta Mirshekar lost their lives at the scene and Maryam Nowkandi later in hospital. The authorities haven’t published the names of the injured.
There have been several fires at schools in Iran and many victims, but the authorities have not dealt with the issue of safety standards in schools.
Teachers in Iran have highlighted the enormous and widespread lack of safety standards in schools for years and one of their demands has been the implementation of safety measures.
Municipality workers in Lorestan province, Iran, continue to protest over unpaid wages
On 18th December 2018, over 300 workers of Borujerd municipality in Lorestan province, Iran, held an assembly to protest against not being paid 9 months of their wages.
The workers gathered in the courtyard of the municipality building as the non-payment of their wages has put the workers and their families under lots of pressure.
The employer refuses to pay and keeps making empty promises in the negotiations with the workers.
“Free our colleagues!” the first demand of striking steelworkers in Iran as 41 workers are arrested
On 18th December 2018, striking steelworkers of the National Steel Group of Ahvaz in Khuzestan, Iran, continue to strike and protest on the 39th day of their strike and after the Islamic Republic of Iran arrested 41 workers in their homes in night raids and at the assemblies.
Gholamreza Shariati, the governor of Khuzestan province, faced rebuke and was left speechless at the workers’ assembly where he was asked about the arrest of the workers. The governor said that he is going to Tehran to get approval for some funds but the workers shouted “Why have you arrested our colleagues?”
The workers kept asking about the arrests and the governor kept saying “Let me speak please”, but he had nothing to say about the arrested workers.
In the assembly, the workers decided that their first demand is the “freedom of their colleagues” and that this is a precondition to any negotiations and talks. They continue to fight for their demands “without any compromise”.
The strike has become the subject of other protests in Iran. Retirees in a protest in front of the Iranian Majles (parliament) demanded the release of the arrested steelworkers and sugar cane workers of Haft Tapeh; many other organisations have also released statements in solidarity with the workers and in condemnation of the arrests.
“Be afraid, we are all united!” 3000 retirees chant in front of Iranian parliament
On 18th December 2018, over 3000 retirees protested in front of the Iranian Majles (parliament) as the authorities failed to meet their demands and to answer them.
“From Ahvaz to Tehran, working people are in prison”, “Imprisoned teachers must be freed!”, “Steelworkers must be freed!” and “Be afraid, we are all united!” retirees from different industries and parts of Iran chanted at the parliament. It showed the solidarity amongst protesters in Iran.
In the protest, the retirees raised their objection to poverty, oppression, injustice, lack of free healthcare and education, and corruption of the system and the government.
A group of retirees in Mashahd in Korasan province also held an assembly and expressed their demands and objections.
Unpaid municipality workers in Iran: This is “barbaric and slave-like”, “Down with the oppressor, long live workers!”
On 17th December 2018, over 300 municipality workers of Borujerd in Lorestan province, Iran, held another assembly for the 7th consecutive day to protest against the non-payment of their wages.
The workers who have not been paid 9 months of their wages gathered in the courtyard of the city’s central municipality and chanted “Down with the oppressor, long live workers!”
The workers regard their working conditions as “barbaric and slave-like”. Not being paid their wages has put the workers and their families under immense pressure.
Dam workers in Khuzestan, Iran, protest over 6 months of unpaid wages
On 17th December 2018, workers of Ariobarzan Regulatory Dam in Behbahan in Khuzestan province, Iran, held an assembly in front of their workplace to protest over unpaid wages.
The workers who have not been paid for 6 months struggle to make ends meet.
On top of high prices of goods, inflation and widespread poverty, non-payment of wages has put workers and their families under immense pressure.
18 December 2018 – It’s with great pleasure that we can announce that Sepideh Gholiyan has been released from prison. The bail was 5,000,000,000 Rial (120,000 US Dollar)
“Warning strike” and solidarity with steelworkers by truck drivers in Iran
On 17th December 2018, truck drivers in pursuit of their demands and after several periods of strikes carried out a “warning strike” in some cities and ports.
The workers had announced that they would go on strike from 22nd to 31st December 2018 if the authorities failed to fulfil their promise of meeting the workers’ demands.
The workers went on “warning strikes” in Kerman, Gilan, Mashhad, Khoramshahr, Bandar Khomeini, Isfahan, Qom and Kermanshah. The workers also shared clips to explain what the strike is about and condemned the arrest of steelworkers and sugar cane workers in Khuzestan. The National Coordinating Union of Truck Drivers, which includes 26 associations and syndicates, has announced its solidarity with the striking steelworkers of Ahvaz and has called for the immediate release of the arrested workers.
In the previous truck drivers’ strike that took place in 320 cities, the authorities arrested more than 250 drivers. Some of them have been released but an unknown number of the drivers are still in custody.
The truck drivers demand the release of all of their colleagues; an end to persecution, arrests and imprisonment of the workers; an end to the militarisation of the workers’ struggle; and the right to organise. The drivers emphasised their unity and solidarity with different parts of society.
Steelworkers in Iran “show no fear” as security forces raid workers’ homes and arrest 31
In the early hours of 17th December 2018, security forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran raided the homes of striking steelworkers in Ahvaz, Iran, and arrested 31 workers.
According to reports, on 16th December, the Islamic Republic had stationed its armed and security forces all over the city of Ahvaz, just like in an “unannounced curfew.” The workers and the people were not intimidated by the heavy presence of the armed forces and continued their protest.
Today, 17th December, representatives of the special armed forces and the head of the police of West Ahvaz entered the premises of the National Steel Group and warned the striking steelworkers that they would be arrested if they protested. The workers didn’t capitulate and held their protest in several locations in the city. Members of the public joined the striking workers and all chanted slogans for the release of the arrested workers and against oppression.
Colonel Bagheri, a representative of the Intelligence Protection Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, told the protesters that his organisation is responsible for security in the city and that they simply don’t care. He added that some of the arrested would be released at the end of the day and that some would remain in custody. Two more workers, Hosein Davoodi and Kazem Heidari, were arrested at one of the protests in front of the office of the Intelligence Protection Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps where the workers and the people demanded the release of the detained workers.
The workers have announced that they are not intimidated and will continue their struggle for their rights.
As soon as the news of the arrests was published, many workers’ organisations, teachers and students released statements strongly condemning the arrests and oppression.
Imprisoned teacher Mohammad Reza Ramezanzadeh has been freed
It’s a great pleasure to report that Mohammad Reza Ramezanzadeh, one of the imprisoned teachers in Iran, has been freed.
On 16th December 2018, Mohammad Reza Ramezanzadeh, who was arrested in the teachers’ national strike in November, was freed as a result of the campaign to free the teachers by the Coordinating Council of Teachers’ Association which had issued an ultimatum on 27th November threatening further national action if the teachers are not released.
Petrochemical workers in south Iran hold more assemblies to protest low wages
On 16th December 2018, workers of Farabi Petrochemical corporation in Mahshahr, Khuzestan province, Iran, held another assembly to protest against their low wages and unfair contracts.
The workers have been protesting against their low wages and unfair contracts for a long time but the authorities haven’t fulfilled any of the promises they have made.
Since their last protest in October none of the workers’ demands have been met.
Municipality workers protest over nine months of unpaid wages in Borujerd, Iran
On 16th December 2018, more than 200 municipality workers in Borujerd, Lorestan province, Iran, held an assembly in front of the governor’s office to protest against nine months of unpaid wages.
The municipality that has 1,700 workers has been delaying payment of wages in the past few years and many of the workers struggle to make ends meet.
Many municipality workers in different parts of Iran face similar issues.
Protesting unemployed youth in Iran demand sustainable livelihood and adequate insurance
On 16th December 2018, a large group of unemployed youth in Kerman province, Iran, gathered in front of the Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex (a copper mine) 50 km south of Rafsanjan.
The unemployed youth demand either jobs or unemployment benefits and want to enjoy their right to have a “sustainable livelihood and adequate insurance.”
Unemployment has become a widespread issue in Iran. Many youth, despite qualifications and education, struggle to find work and do not receive any support from the state.
Retired telecommunication workers in Iran protest over 12 years delay in payment of wages
On 16th December 2018, hundreds of retired workers of the telecommunication industry in Shiraz in Fars province, Iran, held an assembly in front of the governor’s office to protest over 12 years delay in the payment of their wages.
The authorities have been ignoring the demands of the retired workers for such a long time and have left them with no other option but to protest.
Telecommunication workers in Tehran also held a protest over unpaid wages in October.
Dredging workers in Khuzestan province, Iran, hold assembly to protest against non-payment of wages
on 16th December 2018, dredging workers in Kut-e Abdollah in Khuzestan province, Iran, held an assembly in front of the city council to protest against the non-payment of their wages.
The workers who haven’t been paid for 6 months and are owed 14 months of their insurance money struggle to make ends meet and to payfor their basic needs.
More than 100,000 workers in Iran’s car industry are in danger of losing their jobs
According to Mohammad Reza Najafi Manesh, director of the Association of Component Manufacturers of Hamgen, so far around 200,000 workers in the car component manufacture have lost their jobs and more job losses are to come.
According to the news, at least 100,000 more people will lose their jobs. The workers will join the masses of unemployed who should either have a job or enjoy their right to have a “sustainable livelihood and adequate insurance.”
Workers of Tabriz car factory in Iran in danger of losing jobs
Workers of a car factory in the Iranian city of Tabriz worry about their jobs as production has fallen by 70% and their workers’ insurance has not been paid for 4 months.
The workers have expressed deep concerns about the future of the factory and their jobs.
“You’ve come to the wrong address!” striking steelworkers tell special armed forces in Khuzestan, Iran
On 16th December 2018, striking steelworkers of the National Steel Group of Ahvaz in Khuzestan province, Iran, together with their families and members of the public marched through the city on the 37th day of the strike.
The workers and members of the public faced the heavy presence of special armed forces when they tried to hold another protest in front of Mr Jazayeri’s office, the representative of Ali Khamenei in the province. The protesters chanted: “Long live workers, down with oppressors!” and “Our enemy is right here, it’s a lie that it’s in the USA.”
Abdollah Darvishi, one of the striking workers, gave a speech in which he objected to the presence of the special armed forces. “We are not Daesh (ISIS), we are not terrorists, we are not dependent on anyone, we don’t have an armed branch, and you’ve formed your lines against us. You’re from us and we are from you. The billionaires who have gone to Canada and Australia to enjoy their time in casinos, they are the ones responsible for the misery of the people of Iran. You’ve come to the wrong address!”
Tareq Khaleghi, another steelworker issued an ultimatum in his speech at the protest: “If by the end of this week something is not done about the situation of the National Steel Group of Ahvaz, you’ll see more than 1500 steelworkers in Tehran!” The protesters welcomed his speech with cheering and chants. Tareq added: “Keep your fists up! This unity of steelworkers of Ahvaz will not be broken by any conspiracy or plot.” The workers hold weekly public assemblies to make decisions collectively and to ensure that everyone is heard and all participate in the decision-making.
The striking steelworkers of Ahvaz, with their determination and resilience, are representing the demands of the majority to end poverty, discrimination and corruption; they have received massive support from within Iran and internationally.