European Trade Union Confederation Criticizes the Islamic Republic's Treatment of Workers

The fifteenth congress of the European Trade Union Confederation, in a resolution regarding Iran, criticized the Islamic Republic's treatment of workers and called for the freedom of imprisoned workers and labor activists. According to the Workers' Rights Defense Center, this congress was held from May 23 to 26 in Berlin, where Yasmin Fahimi, president of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), presented a resolution supporting Iranian workers. The resolution, titled "Women, Life, Freedom," referenced the regime's brutal tactics in suppressing the labor movement. It also mentioned the suppression of media, strikes and protests, arrests, torture, sexual assault, and executions of prisoners, while stating that despite the brutal repression by the Revolutionary Guards and "civilian thugs," protests and demonstrations in Iran have continued. The European Trade Union Confederation further noted the struggles of Iranian workers for greater political freedom, press freedom, the right to protest and organize, and better living and working conditions, assuring Iranian workers, "We will not leave you alone." The confederation continued by addressing the Islamic Republic's treatment of labor organizations in Iran, stating that independent organizations such as the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran Bus Company, oil workers, steel workers, and truck drivers are prevented from operating, strike leaders are arrested, and labor activists are pursued as Western spies. The resolution emphasized the necessity of freeing prisoners, establishing fair trials, and allowing defendants to have their chosen lawyers. The fifteenth congress of the European Trade Union Confederation then called on the International Labour Organization to use any means necessary to pressure the "Iranian regime" regarding its conventions to compel the regime to implement them. The congress expressed solidarity with all members of society and the labor movement, stating that "Women, Life, Freedom has become a symbol of the Iranian people's movement in the world." The resolution noted that the Iranian people are ending the repressive rule of the Islamic Republic and are fighting for a democratic and law-based consultation. During the fiftieth anniversary congress of the European Trade Union Confederation, it was highlighted that the difficult conditions of workers in European countries should prompt the European Parliament to pay attention to labor issues, create suitable conditions for the role of youth in the labor movement, and assist in restoring the role of women in the labor movement. Emphasis on the right to form labor unions and sign collective labor agreements were also among the other points highlighted by the congress.