Ahvaz Steel Workers Hold Protest Demonstrations Again

Hundreds of workers from the National Steel Group in Ahvaz resumed their protest gatherings in the final days of the year.

Reports and images circulated on social media indicate that workers gathered again on Sunday, March 18, in front of the Khuzestan Provincial Governor’s Office, demanding the payment of overdue salaries and resolution of their employment status.

Following these gatherings, Gholamreza Shariati, the governor of Khuzestan, promised that the December and January salaries along with bonuses for the National Steel Group workers would be paid within the next two days.

Images and reports shared on social networks also documented a march by workers of this factory in Ahvaz and their gathering in front of the Khuzestan Provincial Governor’s Office on Saturday. One protesting worker was also involved in an accident with a Peugeot 206 vehicle during Saturday’s march.

This is not the first time that National Steel Group workers in Ahvaz have held protest demonstrations. In early March, hundreds of workers from this factory gathered in front of the Khuzestan Provincial Governor’s Office and demanded an end to their problems.

These workers announced their presence at the gathering as representatives of approximately 4,000 workers at this factory and stated that their demands include three months of overdue salaries, bonuses, and benefits.

They had gathered during the Friday prayer ceremony in Ahvaz and, holding placards, called for attention to their demands.

The Ahvaz National Steel Factory was launched by the Amir Mansour Aria Investment Group, but following allegations of financial corruption against Amir Mansour Aria and some of his partners, the management of this factory was transferred to the private sector under the supervision of the judicial system.

Labor and professional gatherings are being held as widespread protests occurred last December in Iranian cities, with many protesters objecting to severe economic problems, unemployment, and financial corruption related to government institutions.

Source: Voice of America