Trade Unions in Iran

"The Iranian labour movement is enduring one its darkest times ever...the Iranian government has not only completely disregarded its commitments to the international labour conventions and basic workers' rights, but in the light of the political situation in Iran during the past year, [it] has paved the way for fiercely attacking even the most basic workers' rights, and to strike against the few existing Iranian labour organizations with ever greater intensity...we wish for you to take greater steps towards driving back the horrendous conditions imposed upon Iranian workers."

Five independent Iranian trade unions - including the Union of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company and the Haft Tapeh Sugar Cane Company Trade Union - in a message to the second World Congress of the International Trade Union Confederation, June 2010.

Take Action

Iran: Ossanlu released but two others still held
Mansour Ossanlu has been released after spending nearly four years in jail. However, two of his colleagues are still in custody. Take action

 

News

Amnesty launches global Iran Workers' Rights Campaign
On 10 June, Amnesty came together with our global union partners, the ITF, IUF, EI and ITUC to launch a global campaign in defence of workers' rights and independent unions in Iran. The backbone of this campaign is the report: "Determined to Live in Dignity"

Trade Union Struggles in Iran: "Freedom Will Come"

Freedom Will Come is a film made in 2007 that tells the story of Mansour Ossanlu, a bus driver who led protests demanding better pay and conditions for his fellow workers. Since this film was made Ossanlu has been sentenced to a further year in prison. He has been transferred to Raja'i Shahr Prison where he suffered a heart attack on February 11th. To see the film in Farsi, click here.

GOOD NEWS: Mansour Osanlu was conditionally released from prison on 2 June. Please take action above to keep him free and release his colleagues.

Find out more:

The International Trade Union Federation ITUC, publish an Annual Survey of Labour Rights Violations, you can read the Iran chapter here.

Click here to visit the LabourStart Iran page full of trade union news reports in English. For trade union news in Farsi click here.


Find out about the Iran campaigns of our global union partners, the ITF, IUF, EI and ITUC here.


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