Hundreds of Retirees Gather in Front of Parliament

Reports from Tehran indicate that a number of cultural retirees and other government employees gathered in front of the Islamic Consultative Assembly on Tuesday, August 22. Meanwhile, several trade unions in Iran estimated the number of protesters to be in the hundreds. According to ILNA news agency, the protesters stated: "Increasing retirement pensions, implementing the equalization law, and enhancing insurance services are our main demands, and officials must support retirees and pensioners." Additionally, the state news agency IRNA reported that this gathering was held by military retirees in protest against the non-implementation of a parliamentary resolution regarding the equalization of military retirees' salaries with those of active employees. One protester told IRNA: "The parliament has passed a resolution for equalizing military retirees' salaries with those of active employees, but this resolution has not yet been implemented, and retirees' salaries are much lower than those of active employees." According to the report, the protesters urged parliament representatives to work towards the implementation of this resolution. The Free Union of Iranian Workers estimated the number of participants to be nearly one thousand, noting that retired and active teachers and workers also participated in the gathering. Other trade unions on Telegram channels estimated the number of participants to be in the hundreds. Based on images shared on social media, the protesters held placards stating: "The poverty line is four million tomans – our salary is one million tomans," "Fighting corruption and embezzlement ensures the legal and welfare security of retirees," "As long as we are below the poverty line, we will remain demanding," and "No to any negotiations – until we achieve our rightful earnings." According to the Free Union of Iranian Workers, slogans such as "A nation that has never seen this much injustice" and "Imprisoned teacher must be freed - Ismail Abdi must be freed" were also chanted during the gathering. The protesters ended their two-hour gathering at noon with the chant "We will return." Earlier, calls had been made on social media by a group known as the "Retirees' Unity Group" urging retirees to participate in the gathering on August 22 in front of the parliament. Media reports in Iran indicate dissatisfaction among retirees regarding their welfare and living conditions. This comes as government officials have consistently promised improvements to their situation while also discussing increases in retirees' pensions. Nevertheless, government critics have expressed doubts about the realization of these promises.