International Confederation of Trade Unions: Iran Needs Fundamental Reforms

The International Confederation of Trade Unions stated, referring to the gatherings and protests in Iranian cities, that this indicates Iran needs fundamental reforms. According to the website of the International Confederation of Trade Unions, 'the suppression of protests in Iran, accompanied by the tragic deaths of over 20 individuals and the arrest of hundreds, will not eliminate the 'social and economic dissatisfaction' across Iran.' This international labor union pointed out the 'anger of the youth over the high unemployment rate in Iran, inflation, and the continuous decline in real income,' noting that Iran's role in military conflicts abroad exacerbates these issues, all while the domestic economy is collapsing. The International Confederation of Trade Unions also mentioned that Iran's GDP has seen only a slight increase since the implementation of the JCPOA, and the living standards of millions of Iranians have not improved. According to this international labor union, the extensive social and economic influence of the Revolutionary Guards and religious institutions are major obstacles to implementing reforms in Iran. The International Confederation of Trade Unions further stated that the unpaid wages of workers in Iran are one of the reasons for their protests, referencing the non-payment of four months' wages to workers of the Haft Tappeh Sugarcane Company following the privatization of that unit. According to this report, workers active in the Haft Tappeh Sugarcane Workers' Syndicate are under severe repression. This international labor union also noted that several labor activists, such as Reza Shahabi, are imprisoned, while others like Ebrahim Madadi and Davood Razavi have been sentenced to prison. Previously, the security and judicial actions against workers and labor activists in Iran have been criticized by international labor unions and human rights organizations worldwide. Nevertheless, officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran have always spoken of their 'engagement' with labor organizations. The International Confederation of Trade Unions added that Iran is in a position where there is no guarantee for workers to achieve their rights. Sharon Burrow, the General Secretary of this international labor union, stated that 'democratic reforms, including gender equality and respect for freedom of expression and association, are the only basis for achieving real social justice.' According to Ms. Burrow, 'dismantling the military's dominance over the economy and the power of conservative clerics over the daily lives of people is crucial for achieving a vision of common welfare and economic security.' The General Secretary of the International Confederation of Trade Unions also mentioned that the people of Iran urgently need investment in jobs and adequate income.