Iran continues to witness a significant wave of protests and strikes across various sectors as citizens demand better living conditions, higher wages, and an end to government corruption. Over the past few days, retirees, oil sector workers, and residents from different regions have taken to the streets, highlighting the widespread dissatisfaction with the current economic and social policies.
On July 14, retirees from the steel industry and the Social Security Organization held protests in multiple cities, including Isfahan, Shush, Tehran, and Kermanshah. These demonstrators are calling for increased pensions and basic rights, condemning government corruption and economic mismanagement.
In Shush, protesters also demanded the release of Sharifeh Mohammadi, a social activist sentenced to death. The intense summer heat did not deter the retirees, who chanted slogans against government officials and decried their living conditions amidst high inflation and inadequate wages.
Residents of Yasuj in southwest Iran gathered to protest severe water shortages, reflecting the critical water management issues in the region. The demonstrators assembled in front of the provincial government office, demanding immediate solutions to their plight.
The ongoing strike by contract workers in Iran’s oil sector has entered its 24th day. Over 24,000 workers from 123 companies are participating in the strike, which demands a 35% wage increase, factoring in the 45% inflation rate, a 14-day work and rest schedule, and the removal of contractors.
More footage of the protest rally by retirees of the steel industry in Isfahan.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/HVsk9OILdX
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) July 14, 2024
Workers on Lavan Island resumed their protests on July 12, emphasizing the government’s neglect of their demands related to wage policies, job classification, and working conditions. Similarly, locals in Bandar Ganaveh protested against persistent water outages, compounding the grievances in southern Iran.
In Shushtar, Khuzestan Province, workers at the Diba Shushtar Paper and Pulp Industries continued their strike on July 11, marking the ninth day of their protest. They demand overdue wages, social security insurance, and other benefits. Despite the factory resuming operations earlier this year after a financial crisis, timely wage payments remain unfulfilled.
On July 10, the Mammut company, a major manufacturer of containers and trailers, laid off 2,000 workers, nearly 40% of its workforce. The layoffs have sparked outrage, as workers already face severe economic hardships.
Workers at the Shirkuh Power Plant in Yazd have reported irregular wage payments, lack of proper work attire, and other labor rights violations. Efforts to address these issues through formal complaints have been met with threats of dismissal.
July 14—Kermanshah, western #Iran
Retirees of the Social Security Organization hold protest rally, reiterating their demand for higher pensions and calling for the release of imprisoned teacher and labor activists. #IranProtests pic.twitter.com/P74IfNdAmd— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) July 14, 2024
Workers on the Ahvaz metro project have not been paid for 10 months and lack social security contributions for 18 months. Despite the project’s long-standing delays and financial mismanagement, workers continue to face uncertain futures.
Contract workers at the Chavar Petrochemical plant in Ilam province have been working on daily wages with short-term contracts for four years. Promises of job classification and wage improvements remain unfulfilled, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and instances of worker suicides due to the dire conditions.
The escalation of protests and strikes across Iran highlights the deep-rooted economic and social challenges faced by various segments of the population. As the government grapples with rising inflation and economic instability, the calls for improved living conditions and accountability grow louder, reflecting a nation in urgent need of reform and support.