Tarzeh Mine Workers Rally in Damghan for Third Consecutive Day
A number of workers from the Tarzeh coal mine, located in Damghan County, held a protest rally on Monday, the 2nd of Esfand, for the third consecutive day.
The rally took place in front of the headquarters building of the Eastern Alborz Coal Company in Shahrood, where protesting workers raised their occupational and livelihood demands.
These workers are protesting against the management approach of the contractor company, non-receipt of their claims, and “unsuitable” working conditions, and are also seeking changes to their employment status and contracts.
A group of these mine workers told ILNA news agency: “For years, we have been proposing the conversion of our contract status from contracting to permanent employment, but instead of resolving this problem, our contracts with contractors are being renewed.”
These workers further explained that the Eastern Alborz Company is renewing its contract with a contractor that has no good track record in complying with workplace safety issues and providing other necessary equipment.
One of the protesting workers, referring to the difficult working conditions of mine workers, said that mine workers expect officials to make decisions that protect workers’ lives and property.
In Ordibehesht of this year, two workers from the Tarzeh coal mine lost their lives due to the collapse of the ceiling of tunnel No. 42 of the mine.
Beyond the low wages of workers in Iran, labor activists have consistently criticized “non-compliance with workplace safety standards” by employers.
Over the past year, a large number of workers from various mines in Iran have held protest rallies, including protests by Aseminun mine workers in Minoojan County, the rally of Songoun Copper Complex workers in Varzeghan, and protests by unemployed workers from the Aqdara gold mine.
According to a report by the “International Human Rights Activists” organization in 2021, more than 2,500 protest rallies were held by workers, teachers, retirees, and civil activists in Iran.
Source: Voice of America
