Amnesty campaign
June 2011
The TUC is joining with Amnesty International and global union federations to support a new campaign for Iranian workers' rights. Visit the website, order and send the campaign postcards, and take the email action at http://www.amnesty.org.uk/iranbusworkers. You can order materials at activism@amnesty.org.uk
The TUC has been campaigning for Justice for Iranian Workers for some time with Amnesty International and global union federations like the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), the International Union of Food Workers (IUF) and Education International (EI). TUC affiliates have been involved in campaigns of solidarity with workers in their sector in Iran, and also for human and trade union rights generally.
Iranian workers are struggling for better terms and conditions (sometimes wages are not paid at all for weeks or months) and against arbitrary management punishment and dismissals. And they do all this without the free trade unions we take for granted. In Iran, workers are supposed to join state-run organisations like the Islamic Labour Councils or Workers' House. Free trade unionism is banned, and where it occurs, its leaders and activists are harassed, arrested and violently assaulted.
Earlier this month, the campaign won a significant victory when Mansour Osanloo, leader of the Tehran bus workers, was freed after nearly four years in jail - although he could be returned to jail at any time. And two of his colleagues remain in jail:
In addition, Rasoul Bodaghi, a member of the Iran Teachers' Trade Association, was arrested in September 2009 and sentenced to six years in jail for 'propaganda against the system' and 'gathering and colluding with intent to disturb national security'. Recent reports suggest he has been severely beaten in prison.
Now Amnesty International has launched a major campaign for dignity for Iranian workers. They are calling for:
The TUC of course strongly supports this campaign, and urges unions and activists to:
Dr Abdolreza Sheikholeslami
Minister of Labour and Social Affairs
Azadi Avenue, near to Behboudi Avenue
Tehran
Islamic Republic of Iran
Email: info@mlsa.ir (write 'For the attention of Minister of Labour and Social Affairs' in the subject line)
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