NCRI – A protest by 500 workers in Iran’s zinc and lead factory in the city of Zanjan has moved into its fourth day in anger at unpaid wages.
The company is currently being managed by contractors for the development of South Pars gas field – a ‘special economic region’ where employers are free to ignore minimum labor law standards.
It is the second public protest by workers and their families in a month, following demonstrations in July against pollution caused by the factory, which has been closed down since August 14.
One striking worker told the state-run ILNA news agency: “When the factory was closed down, its officials told us that it would soon be relocated and all its workers would return to work. But it has been closed almost a month and no transfer has taken place.
“Each one of us is trying to support a family of four to five people and this situation is of concern to everyone.”
Workers of phases 15 and 16 in South Pars gas field also went on strike on August 23 to protest against up to five months of unpaid salary.
Project directors responded by telling workers to quit their jobs if they wanted to. One boss is reported as saying: “We have no money! No one is forcing you to stay. You can leave whenever you want.”