The Union of Truckers’ and Truck Drivers’ Associations of Iran issued a statement today, Wednesday, May 14 (24th of Ordibehesht), calling for a nationwide strike starting on June 21 (1st of Khordad).
In part of the statement, the truckers and drivers declared:
“For years, we have patiently carried the weight of the country’s economy on our shoulders, but in return, we have received nothing but neglect, humiliation, rising costs, and hollow promises.
There is no fuel, yet we are expected to keep moving. There are no spare parts, yet we are forced to risk our lives on the roads.
We pay exorbitant insurance fees, yet receive no services in return. There are freight fees, but they are either unpaid, delayed, or unfairly handled.
Companies and intermediaries suck our blood, and no one is held accountable.
And now, after the tragedy in Bandar Abbas and the deaths of our fellow drivers, there is still silence, inaction, and ignorance.
We will no longer tolerate this injustice.
The Union of Truckers’ and Drivers’ Associations of Iran, in response to this disastrous situation, is declaring a nationwide protest and strike beginning on the May 22 (1st of Kordad). This protest is for our lives; this stand is for our dignity; this outcry is the voice of all of us.”
The Union has called on all drivers across the country to join in a week-long protest by parking their trucks beginning on the May 22 in protest of their dire living conditions, the Bandar Abbas tragedy, and in memory of the colleagues who lost their lives in the deadly incident.
The call includes a request for truckers to dedicate the first day of the strike to a massive and symbolic truck parade in cities across Iran.
In their statement, the truck drivers and truckers emphasized unity and active participation in the protest, asserting that strike and protest are their fundamental rights. They wrote:
“Until fair freight payments are made, spare parts and services are supplied, sufficient fuel is distributed, insurance costs are made reasonable, and road tolls are fairly structured…
We will not move. We will not remain silent. And with our unity, we will reclaim our most basic rights.”