Call for Freedom for Detained Workers of Iran National Steel Group

Workers of the Iran National Industrial Steel Group continued their protests in front of the Khuzestan governor's office despite the ongoing detention of dozens of their colleagues. At the same time, some reports indicate that part of the overdue wages of employees at this unit has been paid. According to the Free Workers Union of Iran, the protesting workers of this large industrial unit marched in Ahvaz on Wednesday, June 13, chanting slogans demanding the release of their imprisoned colleagues. Among the slogans were: 'Imprisoned workers must be freed', 'We wanted production, not promises, why are workers imprisoned?', and 'Thieves are free, workers are in prison'. Previously, reports indicated that more than 60 workers of the Iran National Industrial Steel Group were detained by special forces from the night of June 11 to June 12. The Free Workers Union of Iran published the names of 39 of the detained workers. Meanwhile, reports indicate that at least eight of the workers were released by Wednesday afternoon. This labor organization noted on Tuesday that the detained workers were being held in a drug police detention center. However, the latest reports indicate their transfer to the central prison of Ahvaz. According to this report, the deputy commander of the police force in Ahvaz, while present among the protesting workers on Wednesday, asked them to go to court with their pay slips and national ID cards to secure the release of their detained colleagues. The Free Workers Union of Iran wrote that by 3 PM, no worker had been released from prison. This labor organization previously reported that the protesters were told that workers involved in the attack on the offices of three members of parliament in Ahvaz on Tuesday would remain detained while the rest would be released. Nevertheless, the workers of the Iran National Industrial Steel Group stated: 'If someone is to remain detained for protesting at the representatives' offices, then all of us should remain detained because this protest was made by all of us workers.' In their recent protests and gatherings, workers have repeatedly criticized the actions of the private employer of the Iran National Industrial Steel Group. In the meantime, based on a video released by the Free Workers Union of Iran, one worker criticized why those responsible for the current situation in the Iran National Industrial Steel Group should not be held accountable, saying: 'Should I be detained and held accountable? Should I be questioned? What kind of law is this?' A new wave of labor protests by the workers of the Iran National Industrial Steel Group began eight days ago. They have been striking, gathering, and marching for several months in protest against unpaid wages and the actions of the private owner of this unit. Meanwhile, the Free Workers Union of Iran reported that the wages for Esfand and Farvardin for the experts and Farvardin for the workers of the Iran National Industrial Steel Group have been deposited. However, the wages for Esfand and Ordibehesht for the workers and the wages for Ordibehesht for the experts of this large industrial unit have not been paid. According to ILNA, four thousand workers of this large industrial unit are also demanding clarification of the ownership status of the company, follow-up on their supplementary insurance and social security issues. Reports indicate that due to unpaid insurance premiums, their medical insurance cards are not being renewed. Additionally, the ownership status of the Iran National Industrial Steel Group is unclear. Officials from the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare and the Khuzestan governor's office have spoken about returning ownership to the National Bank, but reports indicate that Abdolreza Mousavi, the private owner, and his managers are still present in the company.