Strike of 'Thousands' of Contract Workers in the Oil and Gas Industry Continues

The Council for Organizing Protests of Contract Oil Workers states that '24,000 people' have joined the strike of project workers in the oil and gas industry. On Friday, July 13, the council issued a statement noting that the strike has entered its twenty-third day, declaring its support for a 'united and nationwide' strike. The statement also mentioned '123 companies' in the oil and gas industry whose workers are on strike. Earlier in July, the Council for Organizing Protests of Contract Oil Workers had outlined the main demands of these workers as 'the elimination of contractors, wage increases, and 14 days of work followed by 14 days of rest.' In this context, the human rights website HRANA also reported on Saturday that a group of employees from the Persian Gulf Oil Company working in the operational area of Lavan gathered in protest of their unmet demands at their workplace. Addressing 'the conditions of dormitories, working conditions, and workplace safety' are other demands of contract workers in the oil and gas industry that have yet to be addressed. Alireza Mirghafari, a member of the Supreme Labor Council, also reported on July 22 that threatening text messages in support of contractors had been sent to protesting workers active on social media. Following the rampant inflation rates in recent years and the significant gap between household income and expenses, various professions and groups, including workers, teachers, and retirees, have organized widespread protests and strikes in recent years. These protest actions were nearly halted amid the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests following the death of Mahsa Jina Amini while in the custody of the morality police, but resumed after the suppression of protests. The expansion of the strike of oil and gas project workers has reached 'over 110 companies.'