Iran has been engulfed in widespread protests and strikes across multiple cities on September 15, 2023, marking the second anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini, whose murder by the regime’s Morality Police in 2022 sparked a nationwide uprising. The protests and strikes spanned Kurdish regions, industrial hubs, and major urban centers, reflecting a mixture of political, social, and economic grievances that continue to plague the country.
Strikes in Kurdish Cities
In Saqqez, Sanandaj, and Piranshahr, widespread strikes were held to commemorate the second anniversary of Amini’s death. Businesses in these cities shut down in solidarity, despite heavy security presence.
September 15—Piranshahr, northwest Iran
Widespread strikes on the second anniversary of the 2022 nationwide uprising. #IranProtestspic.twitter.com/zC24ikL0gL— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) September 15, 2024
Security forces in Saqqez, Amini’s hometown, took drastic measures to prevent gatherings at the Aychi Cemetery, where she is buried. Roads leading to the cemetery were blocked, and military helicopters were seen patrolling the skies over the city, according to local reports. The Iranian regime sought to suppress any public commemoration of Amini, fearing that large-scale protests could reignite unrest.
September 15—Saqqez, western Iran
Widespread strikes on the second anniversary of the 2022 nationwide uprising that began after the regime's so-called "Morality Police" killed Mahsa Amini.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/GQcUo8ARAZ— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) September 15, 2024
Economic Protests in Major Cities
Beyond the Kurdish regions, a series of labor protests erupted in other parts of the country, driven by economic hardship and discontent over the government’s failure to address basic demands.
In Ilam, dismissed workers from the Arghavan Gostar Petrochemical Company have been staging continuous protests since September 11. Around 300 workers were laid off in two stages—100 in May and 200 more in August following the closure of the workshop. The workers, all local, are demanding policy changes to prioritize local employment in the company. The layoffs have left many families in the region without income, exacerbating the already difficult economic conditions.
In Tabriz, contract workers from the provincial telecommunications company continued their protests, demanding overdue wages and the implementation of proper job classification schemes. The workers have accused the company’s management of threatening terminations and creating divisions among employees instead of addressing their grievances. The workers insist their demands are legal and have vowed to continue protesting until all their rights are respected.
September 15—Tabriz, northwest Iran
Contract workers of the telecommunications company continue protests as authorities refrain from addressing their demands.According to the protesting workers, in the past few days, the management of the telecommunications company have done… pic.twitter.com/Opze5QS4Rw
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) September 15, 2024
Pensioners and Retirees Demand Higher Pensions
Retirees across multiple cities, including Ahvaz, Isfahan, and Kermanshah, also took to the streets to demand higher pensions, a common grievance among Iran’s aging population.
In Ahvaz, retirees of the Social Security Organization rallied to demand an increase in their pensions. The protests come after months of inaction by the government, leaving retirees struggling to cope with inflation and rising living costs.
In Isfahan, retired steelworkers gathered once again to demand the government adjust their pensions in accordance with its own laws. The retirees argue that their current pensions fall far short of the amounts they are legally entitled to, leaving many in dire financial straits.
Kermanshah also saw widespread protests by retirees and pensioners of the Social Security Organization, who reiterated their demands for higher pensions and better social services. This region, which has long been a center of economic dissatisfaction, saw its pensioners demanding the regime uphold the promises it has made for years.
Oil and Gas Workers Join the Protests
Workers from the oil and gas sector, critical to Iran’s economy, also joined the wave of protests.
In Ahvaz, workers from the Iranian Offshore Oil Company protested in the Siri and Lavan operational zones, demanding the removal of salary caps, fair compensation, and the proper implementation of labor laws specific to their industry. They also voiced opposition to the government’s plans to merge their pension fund with other failing funds, fearing it would jeopardize their financial security. This protest follows months of growing unrest in the oil sector, which has seen repeated strikes over unfair labor practices and low wages.
The Iranian Offshore Oil Company workers in the Siri and Lavan operational zones continued their protests, demanding improvements in their working conditions and financial compensation. The workers voiced opposition to salary caps, unfair job classifications, and the proposed merger of their pension fund with other failing funds. They also protested the lack of implementation of Article 10 of the Oil Ministry’s law, which guarantees better labor rights. These oil sector protests have been ongoing, with workers organizing strikes to draw attention to their unmet demands.
September 15—Kermanshah, western Iran
Retirees and pensioners of the Social Security Organization resume protest rallies to reiterate their demands for higher pensions and other basic needs.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/H2oxm2UeDC— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) September 15, 2024
Protests in Tehran, Zanjan, and Other Cities
Protests by workers and shopkeepers were reported in Tehran, Zanjan, Tabriz, Lamerd, Choram, Ahvaz, Kermanshah, and Isfahan. These protests involved a wide array of grievances, from unpaid wages to inadequate pensions and economic mismanagement.
Zanjan witnessed a protest by firefighters, who gathered outside the provincial governor’s office. Despite reassurances from the head of the Zanjan Fire Department that their issues were being addressed, the firefighters expressed frustration over delays in resolving their problems.
In Lamerd, truck drivers staged a protest outside the local governor’s office, criticizing the unfair distribution of cargo and the allocation of aluminum powder transportation contracts. They argued that allowing cargo to be transported from a port further away, such as Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, rather than closer ports like Koushkenar, has negatively impacted their livelihoods, leaving many unemployed.
Teachers and Retired Educators Prepare for Protests
Meanwhile, the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations announced that retired educators from 2022 would resume their protests in the coming days. According to the council’s statement, the government has failed to meet their demands, including the payment of pensions and bonuses that have lost value due to inflation. The council has scheduled two protest gatherings: the first on September 16 in front of the Organization of Budget and Planning and the second on September 17 in front of the Ministry of Education.
Conclusion
The protests and strikes across Iran reflect a broader, deep-rooted dissatisfaction with the regime’s failure to address economic hardships, workers’ rights, and systemic inequality. From labor strikes demanding fair wages to commemorative protests marking Mahsa Amini’s death, the unrest showcases the regime’s inability to quell growing public anger. Despite the regime’s efforts to suppress the protests through heavy security measures and intimidation, the demands for regime change continue to fuel dissent across the country.
With economic grievances and political protests intertwined, the strikes and demonstrations show no signs of abating, underscoring the increasing fragility of Iran’s ruling establishment as it struggles to maintain control.
