Continuation of Labor Protests in Several Iranian Cities; Wage Delays Cited as Reason
Labor protests that had subsided following recent popular demonstrations have intensified over the past few days.
Reports from several news websites indicate that workers at Shafaroud Dam in Rasht and workers at East Alborz mine held a gathering on Monday, December 25, due to not receiving three months of wages.
IRNA news agency also reported that workers at Haft Tappeh Sugar Company held a gathering at the facility in protest of management’s neglect in paying wage claims. Some of the demands from workers at this complex date back two years and remain unpaid.
Another report from Haft Tappeh Sugar Company states that on Monday evening, following the protest gathering, unknown individuals attacked one of the workers while getting off a company shuttle. The company’s public relations confirmed the incident, stating that the extent of injuries is not severe and the injured worker was discharged after outpatient treatment.
Another report indicates that a number of workers employed at the Persian Gulf Transportation Company gathered on Tuesday, December 26, in front of the stock exchange building due to privatization and wage arrears. The protesting workers, who claim their occupational problems began with the privatization of the Persian Gulf Transportation Company and change of management, demanded that the stock exchange reopen the company’s trading symbol for sale requests to clarify the company’s status.
More than 200 workers at Tabriz Tractor Industrial Machinery Company have been protesting since last month following the sealing of the factory. These workers, owed approximately 10 months of wages, are concerned about their employment future.
Protest gatherings by employees and workers at production and service units and retirees have intensified in recent years following the continuation of economic recession in Iran. Iran’s economic production sector, particularly in non-oil production, has been in recession for the past five years, causing the closure or losses of many units.
The street protests of this month began with objections to economic conditions, corruption, and unemployment and escalated. It is said that protests in some cities with higher unemployment rates have been more intense and severe.
Source: Voice of America
