Retirees in Shush, teachers, Ilam refinery workers, electricity workers, and political prisoners, and more
Gathering of Social Security Retirees in Shush
Despite the militarized and security-heavy atmosphere dominating cities, retirees are once again taking to the streets. On April 19, a group of Social Security retirees in Shush continued their protests by gathering in front of the city’s Social Security building. They protested against the worsening of their living conditions and delays in implementing the Supreme Labor Council’s wage resolution.
Gathering of Temporary recruited Teachers
On April 19, Temporary employed teachers called “Green Record” teachers continued their protests, demanding formal employment in the Ministry of Education. They called for an immediate determination of their employment status.
Protest of Ilam Gas Refinery Workers
On Saturday, April 18, dismissed workers of Jahanpars Company (Phase 2 of the Ilam Gas Refinery) gathered in front of the Labor Office building in the city, demanding reinstatement and payment of their overdue wages. They later marched toward the governor’s office. This company employed 350 workers, 150 of whom have been unemployed since October. Their immediate demands are reinstatement and timely payment of wages.
According to reports, more than 150 dismissed workers of the Ilam Gas Refinery, employed by the contractor Jahanpars and laid off since October, also gathered in front of the company.
During the war, hundreds of thousands of workers in oil, steel, and other sectors have become unemployed, while living costs have sharply increased. The Worker-Communist Party emphasizes nationwide unity against layoffs, non-payment of wages, and calls for immediate compensation for war-related damages inflicted on the people.
Continuation of the “No to Execution Tuesdays” Campaign
On Tuesday, April 14, the “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign continued in 56 prisons in the form of a nationwide hunger strike, despite internet shutdowns and media suppression. This protest opposes executions and calls for an end to this form of punishment.
According to reports, at least 1,639 people were executed in Iran in 2025, representing a 68% increase compared to 2024. The Islamic Republic, seeing itself at risk of collapse, is confronting renewed public uprisings through repression.
Protest by Political and Ideological Prisoners in Urmia Prison
On September 16, political and ideological prisoners held in the so-called “Ershad” ward of Urmia Central Prison protested the poor quality of food by refusing to accept it and returning the food containers. The 49 prisoners in this ward rejected the lunch due to its bad smell and poor quality.
Protest of “Yellow Hat” Electricity Workers
According to reports, electricity workers known as “Yellow Hats” have voiced their اعتراض, stating that after 40 days of work under harsh wartime conditions, their wages have not increased. The Tavanir organization has ordered that operators’ April wages be paid according to last year’s rates. These electricity workers are an active segment of the labor movement and have repeatedly protested against temporary contracts.
Closure of 90 Factories in Saveh and Arak
The government’s war policies and conflict with the United States and Israel have led to the shutdown of many workplaces. Under the cover of war, the government has intensified its attacks on workers’ livelihoods. Reports indicate that 90 factories in Saveh and Arak have suffered military damage, halted production, and laid off workers. Disruptions in raw material supply and structural damage have pushed workers’ livelihoods into crisis.
In many factories, workers have gone unpaid for several months. For example, workers at the Darugar factory in Tehran have protested the non-payment of three to five months of wages along with their year-end bonuses.
Mass layoffs, delayed wages, and crushing inflation have fueled growing unrest among workers. Workers and the public, whose lives and livelihoods have been destroyed by a war caused by the government, demand compensation. They oppose the continuation of war policies that have devastated their lives. Society is on the brink of an explosion of protests over livelihood issues—protests that follow the January 2026 uprising aimed at ending the entire oppressive system.