Expansion of Labor Strikes in Iran; Workers' Protest at Wagon Pars Enters Its Third Week

On Monday, August 22, Iranian labor and human rights media reported the expansion of labor strikes in Iran, announcing that the protest of Wagon Pars workers has surpassed fifteen days and entered its third week. According to 'Dadban', the strikers cited disagreements between management and workers over the past year and a half, stating, 'The situation has reached a point where we can no longer tolerate discrimination and injustice.' The report indicated that government agents were present at the strike site on Monday, August 22, 'to silence these workers,' but faced resistance from the strikers. Wagon Pars in Arak currently employs 1,170 workers, and it is said that all production lines are active; however, workers claim that despite high production, their wages have been reduced and salaries are paid late. One worker stated, 'The more important issue is the discrimination that prevails in this organization; for instance, on Women's Day, managers' wives receive bonuses of several million tomans, while workers are overlooked. The highest wage for a worker after 20 years of work with overtime was 25 million tomans; now overtime has been reduced, and this worker's salary is 20 million tomans, while managers receive travel allowances and sports expenses.' This worker added, 'In the latest contract with one of the car manufacturers, they brought 80 cars; 70 cars for managers and 10 for the rest of the staff, meaning 1,170 workers.' The striking workers at Wagon Pars Arak say, 'We have a problem with discrimination and injustice, we have a problem with the management's performance; the conditions of this factory and its management must change.' As the economic situation in the country worsens, protests and labor strikes have increased. On Sunday, August 21, reports emerged of strikes by workers at 'Pardis Tire' in Saveh, the Dalahu combined cycle power plant, and workers at 'Friko' in Sirjan. Protests over living conditions among various groups, including retirees, workers from various industries, teachers, defrauded investors, nurses, and healthcare workers in Iran are on the rise, while the political deputy of the IRGC announced in its publication that 'related ministries must prepare for a war economy.'