Iran: Workers in more than 80 energy, petrochemicals & steel companies strike over poor working conditions, low wages & rising living costs
Thousands of energy, petrochemical and steel workers in at least 80 companies have reportedly taken industrial strike action in Iran over poor working conditions and low wages amid the cost of living crisis. Many workers are subcontracted by "quasi-private" companies employing workers on temporary contracts with few labour protections. Iran International reports these companies are military or state-controlled.
The CEO of Pars Special Economic Zone reportedly told the outlet "We had no strikes and protests in the petrochemical and gas sectors in recent days and all plants are working with full capacity", while local media and labour groups report widespread strikes in the region. IndustriALL reports workers' demands include a 79% wage increase and improved shift working conditions. On April 28, a government official stated that four thousand striking workers would be replaced.
IndustriALL Global Union stands in solidarity with the striking contract workers in Iran and their demands for increased wages as the cost of living is skyrocketing in the country. We commend your courage and determination to improve your working conditions.Kemal Özkan, IndustriALL assistant general secretary
On 3 May, it was reported that managers at an unnamed, major petrochemical company were arrested for backing the strike.