On Thursday, November 1, retirees gathered in at least seven cities while the strike of workers from the "Polinar" petrochemical company in Tabriz entered its third day. The protesting retirees in Tabriz, Khorramabad, Mashhad, Kerman, Gilan, Shiraz, and Takestan held placards demanding "reform and issuance of job decrees" and "payment of overdue salaries." Protesters in Mashhad gathered in front of the office of Mashhad's representative in the Islamic Consultative Assembly to reiterate their demands. The Telegram channel "Civil Market Protest" reported that protesting retirees also gathered in six other cities in front of the offices of members of parliament, demanding their rights. Meanwhile, a group of sanitation workers in Mashhad also protested in front of the municipality and city council due to unpaid wages. Simultaneously, the strike of workers at the "Polinar" petrochemical company in Tabriz continued into its third day, with workers protesting "low wages" and "empty promises from managers." Bakers also protested against the reduction of bread subsidies and quotas, as well as the performance of the "Nanino" plan in five cities including Lahijan, Shirvan Khorasan, Kermanshah, Kerman, and Shiraz. The smart subsidy plan for flour and bread, known as "Nanino," has been implemented in Iran since last year, aimed at "preventing violations in the flour production chain to bread consumption and preventing smuggling." The expansion of protests among various groups, including retirees, workers from different industries, teachers, defrauded investors, and healthcare workers, indicates increasing economic difficulties in Iran and the indifference of the Islamic Republic's officials. The continuation of economic protests in Iran coincides with escalating tensions between Israel and the Islamic Republic, while financial market instability in Iran persists. Ahmad Alavi, an economist and researcher residing in Sweden, told Voice of America that due to instability within Iran and international tensions, as well as the government's loss of credibility among the people, capital is fleeing the market, leading to a continuous decline in employment. He stated that the inflation rate is currently above 40 percent, and the rising inflation is accompanied by increasing unemployment, a trend that continues to expand poverty. The increase in wages is equivalent to "four loaves of bread"; retirees protest against the "equalization of wages plan". Cultural retirees gathered in Shiraz; the rising dollar price and a retiree's account of selling meat on credit. The shadow of war and recession looms over Iran's economy; gold and currency prices have hit records. The government seeks a 20 percent wage increase; a labor group states: it means nothing but making the poor poorer.
Retirees Protest in Several Cities Across Iran
Retirees protested in at least seven cities in Iran, demanding overdue salaries and job reforms, while workers from various sectors, including sanitation and petrochemicals, also staged strikes. These protests highlight the growing economic difficulties and dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the economy amidst rising inflation and unemployment.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Retirees and workers in various sectors across Iran protested against overdue salaries, low wages, and economic policies. The protests reflect widespread economic dissatisfaction amidst high inflation and unemployment.
- Protests occurred in at least seven cities including Tabriz and Mashhad.
- The 'Nanino' plan and subsidy cuts are central issues for bakers.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran is experiencing high inflation and unemployment, exacerbated by international sanctions and internal economic policies. Protests are a common response to economic grievances.
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