International Confederation of Trade Unions Calls for Protests Against Workers' Issues in Iran

The International Confederation of Trade Unions has called on its 331 member unions in 163 countries to protest against what it describes as the "harassment" of labor activists and the "systematic violation" of workers' rights, as well as their organization, at the embassies of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This call comes after reports of increased security and judicial actions against labor activists and workers, as well as worsening issues related to the non-payment of wages for several months in various regions of Iran. The confederation, which covers 202 million workers, highlighted the imprisonment and detention of several labor and teachers' rights activists, as well as the trial of others due to their union activities, stating that they were tried and convicted based on "false accusations." A member of European unions stated in an interview that the confederation's reference pertains to security charges against labor activists and some workers protesting their working conditions in recent years; accusations that have led to punishments such as long prison sentences or even flogging for some. Previously, flogging sentences had been issued and even carried out for several workers and labor activists in Iran. One of the most notorious cases involved 17 dismissed workers from the Agh Dareh gold mine in May 2016, which sparked significant protests and criticism, particularly in Iran. Nonetheless, judicial authorities defended this ruling. The confederation also pointed out the issue of unpaid wages for workers in various regions of Iran, including at the Haft Tappeh Sugarcane Company. According to the confederation, the wages of thousands of Haft Tappeh workers have not been paid for at least six months, and many of them have been accused of committing "criminal acts" for protesting to receive their overdue wages. The confederation noted that the workers of Haft Tappeh are demanding timely payment of wages, recognition of the Haft Tappeh workers' union as their representative, reinstatement of workers who have been "unjustly dismissed," and the return of ownership of the company to the government. In its call, the confederation urged member unions to support Iranian workers by sending letters to the embassies of the Islamic Republic of Iran in their countries or by holding demonstrations. The International Confederation of Trade Unions called for member unions to demand that the Iranian authorities revoke all security charges against workers and labor activists, release all imprisoned labor and union activists, pay the wages and benefits of retired Haft Tappeh workers, recognize the Haft Tappeh workers' union, reinstate dismissed workers, and return ownership of the privatized unit to the government. Workers at Haft Tappeh have repeatedly called for the return of ownership of the unit to the government. This demand has also been raised in several factories transferred to the private sector. These workers, citing economic problems and bankruptcy following privatization, argue that this situation did not exist during government ownership. Nonetheless, President Hassan Rouhani's government emphasizes the continuation of privatization policies. Previously, the World Federation of Food, Agricultural and Allied Workers had also called on its members to support the demands of Haft Tappeh workers by signing a letter to the Iranian authorities. The Haft Tappeh workers' union is a member of the World Federation of Food, Agricultural and Allied Workers, which includes 432 unions from 130 countries, representing 2.5 million workers.