Strike of 'over eight thousand' project workers in oil and gas companies

A workers' council states that 'over eight thousand' project workers in oil and gas companies have gone on strike in protest of not receiving their dues. The Council for Organizing Protests of Informal Oil Workers announced on Saturday, July 2, that this strike began three days ago, stating in a statement: 'The elimination of contractors, wage increases, and 14 days of work followed by 14 days of rest are our immediate demands.' The statement also mentioned the names of over 60 companies whose workers are on strike, highlighting the need to address 'dormitory conditions, working conditions, and workplace safety' as additional demands. The council noted that these strikes are in line with the '14-14 campaign,' meaning 14 days of work and 14 days of rest, and previously announced that if workers' demands are not addressed, they will resort to 'wider strikes.' In this context, the human rights website Hrana reported on May 11 of this year, on the occasion of International Workers' Day, that 'in the past year, 428 workers' protests and 1,448 occupational gatherings have been reported by media or civil institutions.' Hrana further stated that in the past year, 'a wide range of workers have taken to the streets due to not receiving monthly wages and lack of attention to insurance demands, with some of these workers going on strike and protesting due to not receiving wages for up to 30 months.' Meanwhile, ILNA news agency quoted Alireza Mirghafari, a member of the Supreme Labor Council and a member of the board of directors of the Supreme Association of Labor Unions, reporting that 'threatening text messages' have been sent in support of contractors to protesting workers active on social media. Following the rampant inflation rates in recent years and the significant gap between income and household expenses, various groups, including workers, teachers, and retirees, have organized extensive protests and strikes in recent years. These protests intensified amid the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in custody, but were met with severe government repression.