Two labor organizations in Iran reported on Thursday, July 4, that thousands of project workers from over 120 companies continue their strike, which began 15 days ago. The number of participating workers has been steadily increasing, reflecting the growing unrest.
The Council for Organizing Protests of Informal Oil Workers announced that the 14-14 campaign is ongoing, with thousands of workers across more than 121 contracting companies participating in a complete strike. This strike coincides with protests at National Drilling in Ahvaz. The council reiterated its support for the striking workers, emphasizing that the protests will continue until all demands are met.
The demands of the workers include the unconditional reinstatement of dismissed workers, the release and reinstatement of imprisoned workers from the Gol Gohar Sirjan Steel Development Company, the implementation of the job classification plan, and the issuance of fuel and essential goods cards. The most urgent demand is the complete elimination of mafia-like contracting companies.
Videos from the strike show protesters gathering in front of the National Drilling Company building in Ahvaz. The striking workers are also demanding wage increases, implementation of the 14-day work and 14-day rest schedule, improved dormitory conditions, workplace safety, and the elimination of intermediary contractors.
The council also mentioned the boycott of the first round of the “sham” presidential elections by the workers, stating that the elections were merely a transfer of power among exploiters and oppressors. Members emphasized that they would send empty ballot boxes from their workplaces to the vote-counting centers to convey their message about the current situation.
#Iran News:
Widespread Protests Erupt Across Iran as #Economic Hardships Mounthttps://t.co/jVomaijr45— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) June 24, 2024
The Council for Organizing Contractual Oil Workers highlighted the strike of over 20,000 project workers in 121 companies and expressed support for the gathering of workers at the National Drilling Company in Ahvaz.
In recent years, project workers have repeatedly gone on strike to protest their living conditions, and the number of labor protests has been increasing. These protests mainly concern late or low wages, workforce layoffs, and privatization policies and their consequences, such as bankruptcy and the closure of industrial and production units.
Furthermore, on July 3, social security retirees in Kermanshah held a protest, chanting slogans against the electoral charade:
- “We’ve heard so many lies, we won’t vote anymore.”
- “Protest is our absolute right.”
- “These people know their duty.”
- “Pezeshkian and Jalili and their likes are not reformists; they are opportunists.”
The growing unrest among both current workers and retirees highlights the increasing dissatisfaction with the Iranian regime’s handling of economic and social issues. This reflects a broader discontent with the political status quo and the utter rejection of the clerical regime’s electoral show by the overwhelming majority of Iran’s society.
