Strikes and labour unrest increase in Iran

international | worker & community struggles and protests | other press

Sunday May 06, 2007 21:14

by pat c - Hands Off the People of Iran

Here is an excerpt from a report on a Hands Off the People of Iran public meeting held in London immediately after the May Day march. HOPI activist Torab Saleth introduced the discussion. You may access the full article at the link.

Hands Off the People of Iran will have its Dublin launch on Thursday 10 May at 7.30 pm in the Teachers Club, Parnell Square. The initiative to set up this important campaign was taken by Iranian political activists and organisations who oppose the Islamic regime in Iran and also stand against any imperialist sanctions or attack. It has links with students, womens' organisations and workers struggles in Iran who are fighting for their rights there and are also against US or UN intervention.

Irish Supporters include: Senator David Norris; Aengus O'Snodaigh TD; Tony Gregory TD; Des Derwin; DCTU (Pers Cap); Joe Moore CWU (Pers Cap); Patrick Nulty Labour Youth.

Strikes and labour unrest has seen a big increase in Iran. A large number of oppositional committees have been set up: both in terms of the volume of protest and the intensity of their demands, there has been a significant shift.

Although there were sporadic struggles, nothing of much significance occurred for some time in terms of class struggle. But over the last three years we have seen a huge increase in the number of strikes. And, what is more significant, a number of initiatives in terms of organising the working class in trade union-type bodies. Just last week there was an attempt to bring together all the various committees that have been set up to organise workers into cooperation councils.

A prominent example of the new militancy is the current Tehran busworkers’ dispute - the busworkers’ union was disbanded by the regime, but they have tried to revive it and are standing firm against all the machinations of government. The regime suppressed the first busworkers’ strike by raiding the homes of almost 1,200 worker activists the night before, arresting their kids and taking them hostage. And now union leaders have been arrested for calling a May Day demonstration. But the Tehran demonstration took place despite this and featured vehement calls for their release.

We should emphasise that May Day is a day for international workers’ solidarity. Obviously that does not mean solidarity with the regime, despite what some on the British left would have us believe. The left in Iran is dismayed by the idea that working class activists should behave as apologists for Tehran.

http://www.cpgb.org.uk/worker/671/iran.htm