On September 9 , the protests of 4,000 workers at IRALCO in Arak entered their 44th day. Yesterday, the workers held a large gathering in the factory yard, chanting slogans demanding the removal of Ahmad Majidi, the company’s manager, and Farhad Hatami, the head of security. According to reports, the company’s management has filed complaints against several workers, attempting to push them back with security-related accusations. These acts of coercion have only fueled workers’ anger. Yesterday, the workers responded firmly with strong unity and a massive demonstration.
The workers’ urgent demands include:
- Implementation of a revised job classification plan
- Timely payment of wages
- Repair and renovation of worn-out production equipment
- Dismissal of the company’s major shareholder and manager, who is tied to the government
- Enforcement of workplace safety standards
- An end to threats and harassment from management
IRALCO is among the most profitable factories in Iran, but according to the workers, its management has driven it toward bankruptcy for their own interests and theft. Even payments to contractors and workers’ wages are being made with difficulty, placing jobs at serious risk. The workers have stood united and are resisting management’s actions.
As previously reported, this factory is also one of the most polluting in Markazi province, with poor workplace safety standards. Many workers have suffered severe physical injuries there, and over the past year, two workers—Mahmoud Davoudabadi and Jabar Abdi—tragically lost their lives. IRALCO workers have announced that in addition to a hunger strike, they will continue their sit-ins inside the factory grounds until their demands are met.
According to received reports, yesterday some workers began a dry hunger strike. Updates on their health conditions will be provided in the next statement.
Yesterday, also workers of Abadarahan in Bandar Abbas went on strike and gathered in protest against the four-month delay in wage payments. According to them, despite repeated demands for their wages, they have been threatened with dismissal. Their protests are ongoing.