Calculation by the Center for Islamic Labor Councils of Tehran; the livelihood basket is 32 million and 850 thousand tomans

The livelihood basket calculated by the Center for Islamic Labor Councils of Tehran for workers has been announced as 32 million and 850 thousand tomans; a figure that could influence minimum wage determination meetings in the coming days and make agreements between the parties difficult. The impact on wage meetings from this calculation is due to the Ministry of Health's efforts to prevent wage increases of more than 20 percent, which involved reducing the daily caloric needs of workers in the food basket, thereby lowering the livelihood basket figure. The head of the Wage Committee of the Coordination Center of Islamic Labor Councils of Tehran reacted to this action by the Ministry of Health, stating to the ILNA news agency that the livelihood basket rate for Tehran, based on prices from Bahman and for a four-person household with a caloric intake of 3,000, was calculated at 32 million and 850 thousand tomans. Majid Rahmati also announced that the calculated basket includes 12 essential goods, education, recreation, housing costs, and other basic life necessities. Accordingly, the livelihood basket rate at the national level has been announced as 26 million and 550 thousand tomans. The Ministry of Health's action in reducing the daily caloric needs of workers has faced significant criticism, with some doctors stating that this action could lead to many diseases and physical problems in the near future. This action by the Ministry of Health comes at a time when workers are currently unable to meet their minimum food requirements, and experts believe that an average worker needs 2,800 calories daily, with this amount reaching at least 5,000 calories for harder jobs. Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Ministry of Health has reduced the daily caloric needs of workers to below 2,000. This action by the Ministry of Health and, on a larger scale, the Islamic Republic government is seen as a means of suppressing labor and wage rights. Labor activists and critics believe that the government, in collaboration with employers, has agreed on a 20 percent increase in the minimum wage and is seeking to impose this on the working community through various means, including data manipulation and delaying wage meeting sessions. In this context, the most significant and decisive statement that clarifies the official position of the government was made by Davood Manzoor, head of the Planning Organization and deputy to Ebrahim Raisi, who stated on March 3 that the government has considerations regarding the increase in workers' and employees' wages, which are determined based on the issue of 'expected inflation.' It is noteworthy that while inflation has stabilized above 40 percent in recent years, most independent economic experts estimate next year's inflation to be above 50 percent. A member of the Wage Committee of the Supreme Labor Council stated: 'With this wage, even workers' food cannot be secured.' The uniform position of the government and employers in determining wages; a union activist stated: 'They are attacking workers' lives.' The Islamic Republic's admission of its inability to control prices; the deputy stated: 'Businesses should control themselves.' Eggs are the only protein source on workers' tables; the government is seeking a slight increase in wages. One news agency, referring to a livelihood basket of 28 million tomans, reported that lower-income groups are surviving on eggs. Government officials announced the holding of a wage meeting on Tuesday; a workers' representative stated: 'We are unaware.' Half of Iranians are below the absolute poverty line; the deputy of Raisi stated: 'Wage growth should be in accordance with the economic conditions of the country.' Promises of wage meetings to be held this week; workers: 'Inflation of 42 percent and a livelihood basket of 25 million tomans should be the basis.'