Long live May Day, the International Workers Day
May Day is the day of workers’ international unity, and of the solidarity of all workers around the world. We the workers, celebrate this day by emphasizing liberation from the exploitation and oppression of capitalists and capitalist states.
May Day this year in Iran has a special meaning and place in the context of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” revolution. The Islamic regime, since the beginning of its rule, has opposed brutally the celebration of May Day. It has arrested and imprisoned a large number of workers in this regard. But the workers have kept this day alive and full of strength with their determination and unity, and every year they celebrate May Day in different ways. This year, May Day is a day to continue the revolution and to get rid of the Islamic regime.
One important aspect of the revolution in Iran is the fight against poverty, high prices and lack of social security. This year the Islamic regime has determined the basic salary of workers at around 5 million tomans per month (around $100). As the Iranian Rial is constantly losing its value, the purchasing power of workers, teachers, retirees and all people is constantly and sharply decreasing. This is a big problem for the people in Iran.
Also, the struggle for the release of all political prisoners is a continuous part of the struggle of workers and people against the Islamic government. In the first few months of the revolution, tens of thousands of people were arrested and more than 500 people were killed by straight bullet shots, by the regime forces.
Hence May Day is a day to continue the revolution, a day to get rid of poverty and insecurity, and a day to free all workers, teachers, women, students and all political prisoners. The Islamic regime must go. All the people are counting the days and fighting and trying to get rid of this barbaric regime. The oppression and crimes should be swept away. All prisoners must be released. Executions must be stopped.
Today, the workers and people of Iran need more than ever the global support of unions and labour organizations. One form of this support is pushing for the release of imprisoned workers, imprisoned teachers, revolution detainees and all political prisoners without bail or conditions. Free Them Now is a campaign for the release of all imprisoned workers and political prisoners, and we ask all the unions and humanitarian institutions to join this campaign.
The crimes committed by the Islamic regime against the people, including the execution of children and rape of prisoners and thousands of other forms of violation of people’s rights, are crimes against humanity. The world should not remain silent in the face of these aggressions. Just as the racial apartheid regime in South Africa was boycotted and isolated, the gender apartheid regime in Iran should also be isolated and boycotted. One step in this direction is the expulsion of Islamic regime’s representatives from ILO. We expect all unions around the world to put this goal on their agenda.
For its part, FTN expresses and declares its support for the struggles of workers in all corners of the world, especially the workers in France, who are so bravely fighting the aggressions of the government and capitalists.
Long live May Day, International Workers Day
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