Ali Khamenei Emphasizes Distinction Between Labor Protests and the 'Enemy'; Strikes Persist, Livelihoods at Risk

Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, met with a group of selected workers on the eve of Labor Day and believes that "improving workers' lives leads to the country's improvement" and "although the labor community has grievances, it has also drawn a line with the enemy." The Supreme Leader, who controls various aspects including the economy through institutions under his supervision such as the Expediency Discernment Council, the Guardian Council, the judiciary, and dozens of large foundations that are the largest economic enterprises in Iran, emphasized: "Efforts must be made for workers. Both government officials and entrepreneurs and investors should know that if efforts are made to improve living conditions, the country's situation will improve." These statements come at a time when the labor community is complaining about the risk to workers' livelihoods following the determination of the minimum wage for the year 1402 and has registered their complaint to annul the "wage decree" in the Administrative Justice Court. Hossein Habibi, a member of the board of directors of the Supreme Council of Islamic Labor Councils of Iran, referred to these complaints in an interview with the ILNA news agency, stating: "Workers expect the approved wage to be annulled by the ruling of the Administrative Justice Court." Alongside this issue, labor strikes in Iran continue, and according to the Free Workers' Union of Iran, these strikes have entered a new phase with the support of various groups, including the Syndicate of Workers of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company. Following this support, five French unions issued a joint statement yesterday expressing their support for Iranian workers and condemning their repression by the Iranian government. In this statement, which was published on the eve of International Workers' Day and previously reported by "Voice of America," the "right to freely form labor unions and join organizations representing workers" is referred to as "legitimate goals recognized in international law." Contrary to the topic raised in the Supreme Leader's meeting with workers and the emphasis on ensuring workers' welfare, workers from over 100 industrial and service units who protested low wages and living conditions through strikes and gatherings in 28 cities in Iran faced threats of dismissal. In this regard, Sakhaavat Asadi, the CEO of the Pars Special Economic Zone, announced that four thousand protesting workers have been dismissed and that new workers are to be appointed in their place.