Ahvaz Steel Workers Protest Again
Hundreds of workers from the Ahvaz National Steel Group continued their protest rallies in the last days of the year.
Reports and images published on social media indicate that workers once again gathered in front of the Khuzestan Governorate on Sunday, March 17, demanding their deferred salaries and a determination of their duties.
Following these protests, Gholamreza Shariati, the governor of Khuzestan, promised that the salaries of January and February, along with the Eid holiday, for workers of the National Steel Group would be paid within the next two days.
Images and reports published on social media also showed workers from this factory marching in Ahvaz and gathering in front of the Khuzestan Governorate on Saturday. One of the protesting workers was also involved in an accident during the march on Saturday when he collided with a Pride vehicle.
This is the second time that workers at the Ahvaz National Steel Group have held a protest rally. In early March, hundreds of workers from the factory gathered in front of the Khuzestan Governorate, demanding an end to their problems.
These workers announced their presence at the rally on behalf of about 4,000 workers at the factory and said their demands were three months of back wages, holiday pay, and bonuses.
They gathered at the Friday prayer service in Ahvaz and held placards demanding that their demands be addressed.
The Ahvaz National Steel Factory was launched by Amir Mansour Aria's investment group, but following allegations of financial corruption against Amir Mansour Aria and some of his partners, the management of the factory was handed over to the private sector under the supervision of the judicial system.
The union and labor rallies are being held at a time when, during the widespread protests in Iranian cities last January, many protesters protested severe economic problems, unemployment, and financial corruption related to government agencies.
Source: Voice of America
