July 8, 2023 – Iran is witnessing a series of coordinated protests and strikes across various sectors, reflecting deepening economic woes and widespread dissatisfaction among retirees, pensioners, and workers. These protests come just days after the announcement of a new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, whose administration now faces immediate challenges from multiple fronts.
In Rafsanjan, southeast Iran, tractor owners rallied against the reduction in their monthly diesel quota. The cutback has severely impacted their livelihoods, prompting them to take to the streets to demand a reversal of the policy.
Meanwhile, in central Iran, retired employees of the Telecommunications Company of Iran (TCI) held a protest rally in Isfahan, demanding higher pensions and better living conditions. Similar protests were held in Tabriz, northwest Iran, and Sanandaj, western Iran, where TCI retirees voiced their frustrations over inadequate pensions and the regime’s persistent neglect of their basic needs.
July 8—Rafsanjan, southeast #Iran
Rally by tractor owners of tractors in protest to reducing the monthly diesel quota.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/0IFVY5y86v— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) July 8, 2024
The oil sector workers continue their strikes across various locations in Iran. Their demands include a 35% salary increase across all wage levels, reflecting the 45% inflation rate, a 14-day work and 14-day rest cycle, and the removal of contractors. These strikes, ongoing for several weeks, highlight the dire conditions faced by workers in one of Iran’s most critical industries.
In addition to these protests, workers from the Rudbar Water and Sewage Company have been on strike for two weeks due to eight months of unpaid wages. In response to their strike, the company threatened to cancel the workers’ insurance, exacerbating tensions. The workers reported severe mismanagement, with rampant water wastage and delays in essential services like pipe repairs and meter installations due to their refusal to work without pay.
The striking workers stated, “We have gone everywhere, pleaded with every official, but the situation only worsens. We are caught between the contractor and the company, with no resolution in sight.” This sentiment is echoed across various sectors, where workers and retirees feel abandoned and ignored by the authorities.
July 8—#Iran
Oil sector workers continue their strikes in various locations across Iran.
Salary increase and the immediate implementation of a 35% salary increase at all wage levels and including the 45% inflation rate in this increase. 14 days of work, 14 days of rest and… pic.twitter.com/SUiFmM0BjK— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) July 8, 2024
These protests and strikes are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of labor unrest in Iran. According to reports, over 22,000 project workers in 110 companies are currently on strike, demanding better wages, the elimination of contractors, improved working conditions, and safer work environments.
The economic mismanagement under consecutive administrations has left a legacy of high inflation, unpaid wages, and deteriorating living standards. The regime’s inability and unwillingness to address these economic grievances and manage labor relations has led to deep-seated resentment in Iran’s society. The persistence and resilience of the protesters suggest that their voices will not be easily silenced, pushing the new government to either show improvement or be prepared for acute unrest.
July 8—Tabriz, northwest #Iran
Retirees and pensioners of the Telecommunications Company of Iran rally in front the office of TCI to protest low pensions and poor living conditions.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/FI9FhhnBFV— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) July 8, 2024