Workers at Karun 4 Dam Owe Two Months of Wages and Bonuses; Continuation of Wage Arrears Saga

As the end of the first month of the year approaches, workers and employees in various industrial sectors continue to experience delays in the payment of wages and benefits. In the latest case, a news agency reported that workers at the Karun 4 Dam have not received two months of wages and part of their bonuses. According to ILNA, affiliated with the government organization 'House of Workers', workers at the Karun 4 Dam in Lordegan County stated that they previously had up to six months of unpaid wage claims. The contractor of the Karun 4 Dam cited a lack of liquidity as the reason for this delay. The report indicates that these workers, like many others, are facing numerous challenges, including a livelihood crisis. Meanwhile, the state-run news agency IRIB has reported delays in the payment of pensions to social security retirees, noting that these individuals are among the low-income segments of society and, since most have children and grandchildren, their pensions are insufficient for their living expenses. The IRIB report highlights that delays in these inadequate payments place additional pressure on these individuals who have worked for many years and kept the country running. A review of the news shows that wage and salary delays are a primary issue for workers and employees across all sectors. In this context, by mid-March 2023, the delay in payments for contract teachers had reached five months, and in response to criticisms, the Deputy Minister of Education promised to pay two months of this five-month backlog 'in the near future.' However, a month has passed since this promise was made, and the demands of contract teachers have now entered the sixth month, with no payments received since the beginning of the school year. Protests by workers and nurses over occupational and livelihood issues have occurred in several cities in Iran. Protests in various cities of Iran; retirees: Unity, unity, against poverty and corruption. The wage arrears of 2,700 workers at the Sadra Bushehr Company continue: We have not received wages for months, and no one is accountable. On the eve of the New Year, the overdue wages of contract teachers have reached five months. Responses from educators' organizations to the 2024 budget bill indicate increased pressure on teachers and retirees. The head of the Union of Contract and Temporary Workers of Iran stated that 20 million workers lack job security.