On January 13, Iranian labor organizations denounced the regime’s anti-labor policies, citing worsening conditions for workers and retirees. They criticized inadequate wages, which fail to meet living costs, and highlighted the growing disparities between official minimum wage calculations and actual expenses. Amid rising inflation, the working class faces increasing pressures, leading to growing protests for justice and equitable treatment. As economic challenges mount, a collective call for unity among oppressed groups underscores the urgency of reforming labor policies.
On January 13, several labor organizations and retirees in Iran conveyed a joint statement condemning the Iranian regime’s detrimental anti-labor policies, asserting that these measures have marginalized workers and wage earners nationwide. The signatories criticized the government’s labor policies as excessively oppressive, cautioning that conditions would deteriorate further, potentially leading to a crisis for the working class. Groups such as the Haftapeh Sugar Cane Workers Union and the Retired Union Group highlighted the pivotal role of the working class in the economy, declaring them to be the fundamental contributors to societal wealth.
The joint statement criticized the persistence of inadequate wages, which they deemed to be worse than in previous years. The organizations emphasized that wages must, at a minimum, cover the living expenses for an average urban family. There was a call for wages to be computed based on the actual cost of living for a family of four, as stipulated in Article 41 of Iran’s Labor Law, which requires minimum wage calculations to reflect inflation and monthly living costs.
However, activists contend that the government’s wage calculations are flawed. While official statistics suggest monthly living costs in metropolitan areas range between 32 to 37 million tomans, the unions argue that the real cost for a family of four is between 40 to 45 million tomans. In stark contrast, the minimum monthly wage for married workers with children stands at only 11 million tomans, with many individuals earning even less.
Omid Nasibi, a member of Parliament, acknowledged the severe challenges faced by the working class in light of current inflationary pressures. He indicated that workers struggle to afford rent and basic living costs, adding that without substantial control of inflation, even a salary increase of 50% would not significantly alleviate financial hardships. Although the government has announced salary increases of 20% for employees and projects a 30% rise in worker wages, these increments are grossly insufficient to keep pace with projected inflation rates. Living costs are anticipated to escalate to 55 to 60 million tomans by 2025, further widening the gap between income and expenses.
Currently, Iranian workers earn some of the lowest wages globally, trailing behind those in neighboring countries, which exacerbates their plight as inflation continues to spiral. The labor organizations’ statement chastised the regime for its failure to address these concerns, asserting that its anti-labor policies have diminished its support among workers. They called for solidarity among all marginalized groups to collectively oppose the government’s economic policies.
Amid ongoing protests against the regime’s labor policies, workers, teachers, and pensioners have voiced their frustrations. Protestors frequently express dissent against the government’s economic decisions and demand justice in pay and improved working conditions. In response, the regime has resorted to punitive measures to suppress dissent, though activists argue that such efforts have not been successful in restraining the growing discontent among the populace.
As the economic crisis unfolds, the solidarity among workers and other disadvantaged groups becomes increasingly apparent. The statement from the labor organizations underscores the necessity for unified action to confront the government’s systemic failures, warning that the ongoing imbalance between wage growth and living costs will further imperil Iran’s socio-economic landscape. Without substantial reforms, the regime is confronted with unwavering pressure from the working class, who not only bear the brunt of economic adversity but are driven to demand meaningful changes to reverse their plight.
The socio-economic conditions in Iran have led to widespread discontent among workers and retirees, who have increasingly criticized the government’s labor policies. The joint statement by multiple labor organizations highlights the precarious economic situation, particularly focusing on the inadequacy of wages in relation to the rising cost of living. Various labor groups are advocating for better wages that align with living costs as outlined in national labor laws, pointing to an urgent need for government action to relieve the financial strain on the working class. As inflation soars and purchasing power decreases, the collaboration among different working groups to challenge these policies signifies a growing movement aimed at addressing fundamental economic injustices.
The labor unrest in Iran represents a critical intersection of economic hardship and social injustice, reflected in the joint statement from labor organizations and retirees. With wages failing to meet living costs and inflation continuing to rise, workers are increasingly mobilizing against government policies perceived as harmful. Their calls for greater financial equity and recognition of their contributions to the economy echo through protests, demanding accountability from the regime. To avert a deeper crisis, substantial reforms are essential; otherwise, the ongoing economic struggles will further destabilize social cohesion in Iran.
Original Source: irannewsupdate.com
