A message from “Free Them Now!” the campaign to free jailed workers in Iran:
To all workers’ unions:
Dear Friends!
As you know, thousands of workers are on strike to protest against intolerable working conditions, including low and unpaid wages as well as other unacceptable security controls and considerations in factories and firms.
The biggest workers’ strike, which has been going on since August 5th is the strike of various sectors in the oil, refineries, gas and petrochemical industries and their affiliated factories. The contract oil workers are on an unlimited strike to protest against low wages and unbearable working conditions like strict surveillance and temporary contracts, as well as the lack of health and safety measures in the workplace. The oil workers are also demanding that the use of agencies that steal the lion’s share of wages be eliminated and that all workers be employed by legally binding contracts.
The sugarcane workers of Haft Tappeh have also been on strike since …for almost two months now and have made similar demands. In addition, they want the reinstatement of all sacked colleagues in the workplace and the privatisation of the sugarcane company which has meant looting workers’ livlihoods to be terminated.
You know very well that the international solidarity with these workers is crucial to their success. So far several unions and federations have expressed their support for them from France, to Australia, as well as other countries. Five French trade union confederations, including CGT, SOLITAIRE, UFS, have officially supported the strikes and demands of oil workers and Haft Tappeh Sugar Cane workers.
“Free Them Now” calls on all workers’ organisations and trade unions to actively support these very important and vital strikes. Your support and solidarity will prevent the Islamic Regime from easily threatening, supressing and seeking to control the workers’ movement. .
Campaign to Free Jailed Workers (Free Them Now)
9 August 2020