Iranian Writers' Association Calls for the Release of All Imprisoned Workers and Labor Activists on the Eve of International Workers' Day

The Iranian Writers' Association, in a statement released on the eve of May 1, coinciding with International Workers' Day, expressed support for the demands and needs of workers in Iran and called for the release of all imprisoned workers and labor activists held by the Islamic Republic. The association stated: "Workers in Iran have been living in the occasion of Workers' Day for years. They protest daily for their most basic rights, are suppressed every day, and count their failures and victories every day. In this sense, every day in Iran is Workers' Day." The statement continued by referencing over 1,600 recorded strikes and labor protests in the past year, asserting that "this volume of gathering and shouting indicates the plundering of labor power and the extent of injustice imposed by the powerful on the most numerous and fundamental class of society." The Iranian Writers' Association noted, "It is not only bread, housing, meat, clothing, and fruit that are increasingly taken from people's tables and turned into dreams, but their culture, including education, books, cinema, theater, and music, is also imprisoned by the effects of poverty and suffers, and in these conditions, cultural elevation does not appear, but rather cultural degradation manifests itself." In conclusion, the association emphasized the shared fate of writers, workers, and other laborers in Iran, stating, "Support from writers includes not only the material interests of workers but also their liberation from censorship and oppression, and this is where workers must rise to support the specific demands of writers, including the abolition of all censorship and the realization of freedom of expression without any restrictions or exceptions, so they can convey their voices unimpeded and without fear to others." International Workers' Day is a commemoration and labor ceremony celebrated by the working classes every year on May 1. Labor unions in many countries around the world honor this day with street demonstrations. This day commemorates the organized protests of American workers who first called for a nationwide strike on May 1, 1886, demanding an eight-hour workday instead of 14 hours. Ali Nejati, on the eve of International Workers' Day, called for the release of imprisoned labor activists. The threats against labor activists imprisoned in Evin Prison coincide with International Workers' Day; a statement has been issued prohibiting wage determination in parliament aimed at reducing protests; the Minister of Labor is making moves to silence workers. A strike occurred at the 'Parch Paper Nature Cellulose' factory in Shush; workers are demanding the removal of contractors. Several labor activists in Sanandaj have been summoned; the Ministry of Intelligence is preventing the celebration of International Workers' Day. The Sweden-Iran Labor Syndicates Platform has called for the release of labor activists, teachers, and civil activists.