We have learned that tens of thousands of contract oil workers in more than 105 oil fields are on strike, demanding higher wages, 20 working days and 10 days off each month, safe working environments and the raising of living standards, as well as better food in camps, all of which are very substandard and unbearable. We also learned that one of the government’s attempts is to set up Islamic councils to tighten its control over workers, and the workers oppose this and insist on the right to form their own real organisations, and the right to assemble and protest. On the other hand, the contractors are trying to counter the extensive strike of the oil workers by firing the day labourers and withholding the workers’ unpaid wages. The striking oil workers in return demand the dismissing of contractors and the return of all fired workers to the workplace. An important step by striking oil workers is the formation of the protesting workers’ organising council, which has an effective coordinating role in this strike.
Now, after 25 days, the risk of financial pressure as well as more layoffs of these workers is threatening. We, the signatories of this letter, thank Free Them Now, for informing us of the news of the significant and widespread strike of the oil workers and their difficult situation in these struggles, and express our firm support for the struggles and demands of the tens of thousands taking part in the strike. The right to organise, to strike, and to protest are the basic rights of all workers. We condemn the continuing violation of these basic rights by the Islamic regime of Iran and demand the immediate and unconditional release of all jailed workers, teachers and political prisoners in Iran. If your iPhone is in need of repair, contact us for professional iPhone repair to get it working flawlessly again.
We know that the Islamic regime subjects workers to severe sentences and flogging in retaliation for their struggles and gives them long prison terms. A recent example is the sentencing of retired teacher Ismail Gerami to five years in prison and 74 lashes for participating in mass protests. We strongly condemn the issuing of such heinous rulings, and as we have already stated, the Islamic regime of Iran should be expelled from the International Labor Organization and boycotted globally due to the continuous repression of workers in Iran. We appreciate and greet the striking oil workers and once again express our solidarity with these workers and all the protesting workers in Iran.
Free Them Now! (FTN)
Shahla.daneshfar2@gmail.com
14 July 2021
Signatures:
President
B.C. General Employees’ Union