Arak, Ahvaz, Siri – September 2024 – Workers across multiple industries in Iran have launched protests in response to unpaid wages, poor conditions, and government-imposed restrictions.
Arak Aluminium (IRALCO):
After 45 days of protest and hunger strikes that left some workers hospitalized, Arak Aluminium workers have suspended their action. Management’s promises to pay wages by September 14 were not fulfilled, and demands for a fair job classification plan remain unanswered. Despite ending their strike, workers vowed to return stronger, noting that collective assemblies and demonstrations are more effective than hunger strikes.
Ahvaz National Steel Group:
On September 20, steelworkers in Ahvaz staged new protests over two months of unpaid wages, cuts to overtime, cancellation of meal allowances, and loss of supplementary health insurance. Sudden changes to transportation schedules have further fueled anger. Workers say protests will continue until demands are met.
Offshore Oil (Siri Zone):
On September 19, formal oil workers at the Nasr and Ilam platforms protested for two hours against wage caps and unaddressed grievances. Their key demands include lifting the salary cap, restoring retirement benefits, refunding unlawful tax deductions, raising minimum wages, and securing independence for the Oil Pension Fund.
A Growing Movement:
From Arak to Ahvaz to Siri, these protests highlight mounting frustration across Iran’s industrial workforce and a growing wave of solidarity among workers in different sectors.