A News Agency Identifies the 'Government' as the Main Opponent of the Status Change for Contract Workers

The news agency 'ILNA', affiliated with the 'Workers' House', called on members of parliament to clarify the status change for contract workers this week. The report emphasized that individuals like Mr. Meysam Latifi, who have been appointed unfairly overnight, should not cause despair among workers with their directives. This reference is to statements made by Meysam Latifi, the head of the Administrative and Recruitment Organization, on December 6, stating that 'the government's path for status change is only through examinations'; remarks that the report's author believes indicate the government's opposition to the employment status change for workers. Previously, members of the Social Commission of the Parliament had announced that negotiations with the government, specifically the Recruitment Organization, had been successfully conducted, and it was expected that 'soon' the plan for organizing would be approved, leading to the dismantling of contracting companies and the direct employment of contract workers. However, ILNA, citing new statements, reported that the government apparently does not have 'principled agreement' on the elimination of contracting companies and the status change for contract workers, some of whom have 10 to 15 years of work experience. In his latest remarks, Meysam Latifi emphasized that 'we grant hiring permits based on the needs of companies, and those who have a non-contractual and formal relationship with the organization will have their status change through examinations.' The organizing plan was on the agenda during the public session of the Parliament on February 20, 2023, and was approved with 173 votes in favor. According to this plan, any type of contract by the agencies subject to this law for the purpose of providing human resources with non-governmental companies and legal entities is prohibited. Economic and labor activists believe that this clause of the plan means saying goodbye to contracting companies that have infiltrated all levels of government and are considered 'corruption-inducing' by many experts. Experts believe that based on this and considering the influence and power of contracting companies, there is a possibility of obstruction in various government agencies to prevent the implementation of this plan. Contractual and temporary workers of Iran Telecommunications Company have staged strikes and protests in several cities. The 17th day of the strike of 1,700 workers at the Arak Machine Manufacturing Factory. Hundreds of contract workers from the Ministry of Oil gathered in front of the Presidential Office. Is the government issuing directives in favor of contractors? The cooperation of government agencies to maintain the contracting system. Suggestions from some labor organizations: the dissolution of contracting companies for workers and the replacement with 'workers' cooperatives' to reduce 'exploitation'. Continued strikes; contract and temporary workers are calling for the elimination of the 'contractor mafia'. The removal of contracting companies from the 'human resources supply' cycle; the plan for organizing government employees was rejected.