The head of the Supreme Council of Labor Associations of Iran and the Council for Organizing Protests of Informal Oil Workers criticized this year's wages as "insufficient" and "unfair." According to ILNA, Somayeh Golpour, the head of the Supreme Council of Labor Associations of Iran, stated on Saturday, April 4, that the minimum wage for workers this year is "insufficient" and emphasized that it does not even cover 60% of the household's living expenses. Government and employer representatives determined the minimum wage increase for workers in 1403 (2024) at 35% without obtaining the agreement and signature of labor representatives in the last hours of the previous year. According to this resolution, the wage increase for other levels was also set at 22% plus a fixed monthly amount of 6,900,780 rials. Considering other wage items, the minimum income for workers covered by labor law, married with two children, will be 11,107,000 tomans next year. The minimum wage for workers covered by labor law, married with one child, has been set at 10,892,000 tomans. Additionally, the Council for Organizing Protests of Informal Oil Workers issued a statement protesting the "unfair approved wage," calling it a "continuation of open betrayal" to workers. This labor organization stated that the 35% wage increase, considering inflation and the "astronomical rise" in living costs, means a "decrease in wages." The council also deemed the 22% increase for third-party workers as leading to "misery and poverty" and emphasized, "We will not submit to this blatant humiliation and slavery." The council announced that they would continue their protests until their demands are met. In recent days, several independent labor organizations, including the Sugarcane Workers Syndicate of Haft Tappeh, the Tehran Bus Company Workers Syndicate, the Retirees Union, the Coordination Committee to Assist in the Formation of Labor Organizations, and the Council of Retirees of Iran, have criticized the minimum wage set by the government. The Haft Tappeh Sugarcane Workers Syndicate stated that the humiliating wage for 1403 is a clear attack on the lives of workers and wage earners. The dissatisfaction of workers continues; the determined wage only covers 40% of living expenses. The depth of the livelihood crisis during Ramadan is highlighted by the daily wage of 250,000 tomans, while the cost of iftar and suhoor is 650,000 tomans.
Protests by Activists and Labor Organizations Against Poverty-Level Wages Continue
Labor activists and organizations in Iran are protesting against the government's decision to set the minimum wage at a level they deem insufficient and unfair, failing to cover basic living costs. The protests highlight the ongoing economic struggles faced by workers, particularly in the context of rising inflation and living expenses. This situation is significant as it reflects broader discontent among the working class in Iran.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Labor organizations in Iran are protesting against the government's decision to set the minimum wage at a level they consider insufficient. The protests are driven by the belief that the wage increase does not match the rising cost of living.
- The minimum wage increase was set at 35% without labor representatives' agreement.
- The wage increase is seen as insufficient due to high inflation and living costs.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has been facing significant economic challenges, including high inflation and unemployment, exacerbated by international sanctions.
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Translation confidence: 85%