Tehran BRT Bus Drivers Launch Strike and Protest

Bus drivers of Tehran’s BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) lines staged a strike and protest on Monday, May 16.

According to the United Bus Company of Tehran Workers’ Syndicate, the gathering was held in front of the company’s central office.

Drivers and workers chanted slogans at the protest: “Incompetent mayor, resign, resign.”

Meanwhile, news agency Mehr reported that Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani appeared at the site of the drivers’ gathering.

The protest by bus drivers and workers is against the non-implementation of their wage increases.

Based on government decree, wages for public sector workers are set to increase by only 10 percent in the current fiscal year, which is one of the reasons for the United Company drivers’ protest. They are demanding a minimum wage increase based on the Supreme Labor Council’s decision, which is 57 percent.

Previously, protests by oil industry workers against the government’s decision had also been held.

The “News Online” website reported on Monday that several BRT bus lines, including the Railway-Tajrish and South Terminal-Parkway routes, have been inactive for several hours.

Reports circulating on social media indicate that the scope of the drivers’ strike and the suspension of bus service has expanded to other areas of Tehran, and has also involved bus repair department workers.

On Monday, the United Bus Company of Tehran Workers’ Syndicate issued a statement condemning what it called “file-making, detention, and spreading of false information by the Ministry of Intelligence and other suppressive forces.”

This labor organization, referring to protest gatherings by workers, teachers, retirees, and other wage earners, and the detention of some of them, stated that “the government has resorted to its usual solution, namely suppression, file-making, detention, and spreading of false information,” and according to this organization’s statement, “fabricated” security charges against arrested labor and occupational activists.

The organization called on international labor bodies to pressure the Islamic Republic at the upcoming International Labor Organization meeting.

In conclusion, the syndicate demanded the release of Reza Shahabi, a member of its board of directors, and other political prisoners.

Mr. Shahabi was arrested at his home on May 12 of this year by officers of the Ministry of Intelligence.

Source: Radio Farda