According to reports published by the Council for Organising Protests of third pillars Workers, on 24 January, more than two thousand third pillars contract workers from oil, gas, and petrochemical centres across the country travelled to Tehran in protest against the lack of response to their demands. They gathered in front of the Islamic Republic’s presidential office to continue their protests. Security forces were heavily present at the scene, attempting to create an atmosphere of intimidation. However, the workers, undeterred by the heavy police presence, continued their gathering, chanting slogans, and emphasising their demands.
The protesting workers chanted slogans such as:
- “His title is Labour Minister, but he’s the contractor’s supporter!”
- “We don’t want contractors, we don’t want exploitation!”
The protest against contractors is a nationwide demand of all oil workers, and ending the exploitation by contractor mafias and brokers is a key issue for all workers.
The demands of the oil contract and third pillars workers are national and include:
- The complete removal of contractor companies,
- The right to form unions, assemble, and protest,
- Immediate reinstatement of dismissed workers from National Drilling and other sectors of the oil industry,
- Payment of all overdue wages similar to other employees,
- Back payment for job classification since the beginning of 2024,
- Access to interest-free loans of 300 million tomans,
- Inclusion in the Rajai plan bonus,
- Access to company welfare and sports facilities,
- Conversion of employment status,
- Job security and improved working conditions.
Free Them Now supports the oil workers’ protests and calls on all unions to support these workers.