The head of the Supreme Council of Construction Workers' Associations announced that the daily loss to Iran's economy from labor accidents is 150 billion tomans. According to Tasnim News Agency, Akbar Shokat stated on Thursday, December 9, in Sari that the statistics of labor accidents in Iran are 'high' and that these accidents should be reduced through 'enhanced training.' Mr. Shokat reported the death of 1,300 workers in the construction sector in the year 1392 (2013) and added that 'the mortality rate in the workplace in Iran is 400 percent higher than in developed countries.' He criticized the lack of 'healthcare per capita for workers' and protested to the Ministry of Health for implementing the 'Health Transformation Plan' from 'workers' pockets' and 'without their permission.' He also added that 'planning should be done in such a way that the Health Transformation Plan does not end up like the targeted subsidies plan.' A group of workers protested against the 'Health Transformation Plan' on November 20 of this year by gathering in front of the parliament. According to reports, the government intends to merge the health fund of the Social Security Organization with the Health Insurance Organization, which is under the Ministry of Health, in the sixth development plan, and some labor organizations oppose this plan. On December 5, Ali Rabiei, Minister of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare, stated that 'not a single rial of workers' money has been spent on this plan.' These statements come at a time when, according to the announcement in 1393 (2014) by the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Islamic Labor Councils of Iran, 70 percent of Iranian workers were living below the poverty line. Rahmatollah Pourmousa, at that time, indicated that one of the consequences of low wages for workers in Iran was an increase in work accidents, stating that in 1392 (2013), more than 1,990 workers lost their lives. In this context, Iran holds the record for labor accidents in the world.
Daily Loss from Labor Accidents is 150 Billion Tomans
Akbar Shokat, head of the Supreme Council of Construction Workers' Associations, reported that labor accidents cause a daily economic loss of 150 billion tomans in Iran. He highlighted the high mortality rate among workers and criticized the government's handling of healthcare funding. This issue is significant as it reflects ongoing labor rights concerns and economic challenges in Iran.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Akbar Shokat announced that labor accidents in Iran result in a daily economic loss of 150 billion tomans, citing high mortality rates among workers. He criticized the government's healthcare funding approach and called for better training to reduce accidents.
- 1,300 workers died in construction accidents in 2013.
- Iran's workplace mortality rate is 400% higher than in developed countries.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has one of the highest rates of labor accidents globally, exacerbated by low wages and inadequate healthcare for workers.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%