Thousands of workers, retirees, and citizens across Iran held protests on December 24, calling attention to systemic issues such as economic mismanagement, lack of transparency, and widespread injustice. Protests spanned multiple provinces, highlighting the growing discontent across various sectors.
In Bushehr, southern Iran, approximately 5,000 contract workers of South Pars Gas Company rallied against unfulfilled government promises. Their demands included the elimination of exploitative contracting firms, fair wages aligned with official employees, rights to unionize, and protections against intimidation. Chanting slogans like “From slogans to action promises unfulfilled,” workers emphasized the need for systemic change. Reports indicated the presence of security forces, who refrained from intervening due to the sheer size of the crowd.
In Ilam, western Iran, municipal bus drivers protested the misallocation of 31 billion tomans earmarked for renewing the city’s bus fleet. The funds, instead of being used for their intended purpose, were redirected to other projects, exacerbating the deteriorating state of public transportation.
December 24—Bushehr, southern Iran
Contract workers of South Pars Gas Company hold protest rally, demanding changes to job classification and wage determination rules and other basic needs.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/yNqJIQ1kFh— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 24, 2024
In Kermanshah, also in western Iran, retired teachers gathered in front of the provincial education ministry office, demanding higher pensions and improved access to basic services. Protesters voiced their frustration at the regime’s neglect of their plight despite years of service.
Meanwhile, in Ahvaz, southwest Iran, non-contractual employees at Naft Hospital protested against exorbitant taxes deducted from their salaries. One worker revealed that over 70% of his wages had been withheld as tax, leaving him struggling to meet basic needs. The employees called for immediate reforms to address this financial strain.
December 24—Ilam, western Iran
Protests and strikes by the bus drivers in Ilam.
The municipality has received a huge budget to renovate the city's bus fleet, but the budget has been allocated to other means.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/xyiu9e9cto— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 24, 2024
In Arak, central Iran, workers from the Wagon Pars Factory held demonstrations after 50 contract workers were abruptly dismissed without contract renewal. The despair of job insecurity led one dismissed worker to attempt suicide, though colleagues intervened in time. The workers emphasized the urgent need for job stability and an end to exploitative practices by contracting firms.
Adding to the nationwide unrest, reports emerged that the Iranian regime had demolished over 1,500 homes in the last three months, particularly in cities like Tehran, Isfahan, Kermanshah, Ahvaz, and Mashhad. Officials justified these demolitions under pretexts such as “illegal construction,” but human rights activists argue they disproportionately target marginalized communities, leaving families homeless and exacerbating existing inequalities. This policy has not only deepened societal grievances but has also become an underlying factor fueling broader dissent, as economic hardship and systemic injustice continue to ignite waves of protests across the country.
December 24—Ahvaz, southwest Iran
Employees of Ahvaz's Naft hospital rally to protest heavy taxes.#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/ZHKQC8TlFu— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 24, 2024
The consistent demands for justice and fair treatment in industries like oil and gas, transportation, education, and healthcare, coupled with the destruction of homes, underscore the regime’s failure to address the fundamental needs of its citizens. These protests are part of a broader wave of dissent that continues to challenge systemic corruption and economic mismanagement.