Monday 3 October 2011

Detained workers released as strike by thousands of petrochemical workers in Iran enters its ninth day


The strike by 6,500 petrochemical workers in Iran’s southern city of Mahshahr has entered its ninth day. The workers are demanding that the management honour the pledge made at the end of their great strike in April this year, namely elimination of contracting companies as intermediaries and introduction of direct employment contracts within three months following the strike. The workers took strike action as the company reneged on the deal even after a two-month extension granted by the workers, which expired on 22 September.

Meanwhile, according to the Free Union of Iranian Workers, two workers’ reps and another worker who were arrested on Saturday and detained by the Intelligence Ministry have been released. Mohammad Bagher Bagheri, Mansoor Abbasi and Jasem Badrani were told on Sunday that they may be recalled to the Intelligence Ministry for questioning at a later time.

Taking part in the strike since Sunday 25 September have been the workers of four companies of the Petrochemical Complex, namely Bandar Imam, Arvand, Amirkabir and Tondguyan, all based in the Special Economic Zone of Mahshahr. There have been daily rallies in the square facing the headquarters of the petrochemical company. In the protest gathering on Saturday the workers also demanded the release of their three detained colleagues.

The united strike of the petrochemical workers is a strong challenge to the Islamic Republic, and can provide a great impetus for a resurgence in worker struggles across all industries in Iran.

Sunday 2 October 2011

November 5th is the International Day of Solidarity with Iranian Workers. Join us on this day of action!

To all labour and human rights organisations

Protest against the heavy sentences for imprisoned workers and political activists in Iran and demand their immediate and unconditional release!

The Islamic Republic has recently handed down heavy prison sentences to labour and political activists in Iran. These criminal acts of repression must be met by an international protest.

Calling for the release of imprisoned workers and all political activists in Iran, we, together with a number of labour and human rights organisations, declare Saturday November 5th the International Day of Solidarity with Iranian Workers!

All sentences against jailed workers and political activists must be overturned, and all political prisoners must be released immediately and unconditionally. Such a regime should be thrown out of all international bodies, and from the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

We expect the strongest support from labour and human rights organisations across the world. We call on you to join this day of action and support the imprisoned workers in Iran in any way you can.

Free Them Now! (Campaign to Free Jailed Workers in Iran)

http://free-them-now.blogspot.com/     info.free.them.now@gmail.com

Canada
Masoud Arjang
001-6046495453

Norway
Saber Rahimi
rahimi37@yahoo.com

Germany
Shahnaz Morattab
shahnaz1@t-online.de

Sweden
Mamad Amiri
mamad_amiri67@yahoo.se
Hasan Salehi
hasan_salehi2001@yahoo.com

UK
Shiva Mahbobi
freepoliticalprisoners@gmail.com

Australia
Arsalan Nazeri
ilscaustralianb@optusnet.com.au

Japan
Jamal Saberi
jjsaberi@yahoo.co.jp

29 September 2011