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Iran Protests: Nationwide Protests and Strikes Highlight Workers’ and Retirees’ Grievances

Written by Sedighe Shahrokhi

On June 23, a wave of protests and strikes erupted across Iran, with workers, retirees, and teachers taking to the streets to voice their discontent over various socio-economic issues.

In a significant show of defiance, over 20,000 contract workers in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries continued their strike for the fifth consecutive day. This nationwide strike, known as the “14-14 Campaign,” began on June 19, with demands for eliminating contractors, higher wages, and a revised work schedule of 14 days on and 14 days off. The protests, which included workers from 75 different companies, highlighted their ongoing struggle against poor working conditions and inadequate pay. Footage posted on social media shows workers at Dirin Sanat Raveen in Andimeshk participating in the strike, emphasizing their resolve to intensify protests if their demands were unmet by the end of June.

The Coordination Council for Protesting Oil Contract Workers reported that more than 20,000 workers from nearly 90 oil and gas companies had joined the strike. They reiterated their demands for better pay, improved working conditions, and the abolition of the contractor system, which they likened to modern-day slavery. “We are claimants and will not submit to this slavery,” the council declared, urging nationwide support for the striking workers.

In Rasht, northern Iran, retirees of the Social Security Organization gathered to reiterate their demands for higher pensions and other basic needs. Similarly, in Ahvaz, retirees of the steel industry held a protest rally, insisting on their right to higher pensions as per the regime’s laws.

In Isfahan, retired steelworkers took to the streets, chanting slogans such as “Steelworkers, shout out, demand your rights” and “Enough with promises, our tables are empty.” These protests were echoed in Shush, where retirees from social security and other sectors marched together, demanding justice and improved living conditions.

Municipality workers in Abadan also joined the growing wave of dissent, striking in front of the municipality offices to protest against the authorities’ neglect of their demands. In Tehran, teachers rallied in front of the Ministry of Education, highlighting the poor working conditions they face. Meanwhile, in Qaemshahr, northern Iran, steel industry retirees resumed their weekly protests in front of the Steel Retirement Fund offices in Mazandaran, demanding pensions that reflect the rising cost of living.

Also, social security and state retirees gathered in Kermanshah, voicing their frustration with slogans like “We haven’t seen justice, we won’t vote anymore.” The demonstrators expressed deep-seated disillusionment with the electoral process and the government’s failure to address their needs.

The widespread protests reflect a growing discontent among various sectors of Iranian society. Despite previous years’ protests and the government’s increased pressure on union activists, the workers, retirees, and teachers remain steadfast in their fight for justice and fair treatment.

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