From retirees to active laborers, individuals across various societal strata are grappling with dwindling purchasing power and wages that fail to meet basic needs.
In response, citizens from diverse backgrounds took to the streets on Workers Day to voice their grievances against the worsening economic conditions, escalating repression, and the regime’s neglect of their concerns.
In Kermanshah, retired teachers and pensioners of the Social Security Organization organized a protest rally to assert their demands on Labor Day. Beyond advocating for higher pensions as stipulated by the regime’s own laws, they decried the mounting repression perpetrated by the authorities.
May 1—Kermanshah, western #Iran
Protest rally by retired teachers and pensioners of the Social Security Organization on #InternationalWorkersDay #LabourDay2024
Sign reads: "Teachers don't belong in prison. Release our colleagues."#IranProtests pic.twitter.com/fXIc6ie8cl— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) May 1, 2024
Among their grievances was the imprisonment of teachers’ rights activists who dared to speak out against injustice and the neglect of educators’ needs. Holding a sign that proclaimed, “Teachers do not belong in prison. Release our colleagues,” they sought justice for their incarcerated peers.
Furthermore, demonstrators condemned the unjust death sentence handed down to Toomaj Salehi, an artist and political prisoner, for his participation in anti-regime protests in 2022. “Free Toomaj Salehi,” they fervently chanted, denouncing his arrest merely for expressing dissent through his art.
May 1—Mashhad, northeast #Iran
Retired workers hold protest rallies on #InternationalWorkersDay, demanding the regime to adjust their pensions according to its own laws.
"Livelihood and housing are our undeniable rights," protesters chant#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/ef3KRoBNl1— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) May 1, 2024
In Mashhad, a gathering of retired workers and pensioners echoed similar sentiments, rallying for basic livelihoods, housing rights, and increased pensions. Despite the regime’s obligation to adjust pensions in accordance with the cost of living, retirees find themselves grappling with soaring prices while their pensions stagnate.
Likewise, retired government employees in Arak voiced their demands for essential necessities, highlighting the pervasive struggle among Iran’s working populace. In Shush, workers from the region rallied in solidarity on International Workers Day, standing alongside all segments of society advocating for their fundamental rights.
April 30—Shush, southwest #Iran
Workers of Pars Paper continue strikes and protests in front of Shush governorate. #IranProtests pic.twitter.com/NG9fnxk0u1— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) April 30, 2024
However, they faced harsh repercussions from the regime’s security forces, who quashed their demands with arrests and lengthy prison sentences.
For instance, workers at the Pars Paper company in Shush faced dismissals and reprisals when they protested for improved working conditions and fair wages. Such instances underscore the challenges faced by Iranian workers amidst a backdrop of economic instability and governmental repression.
Despite Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s assertions of economic progress, workers, teachers, and hardworking citizens continue to experience deteriorating living and working conditions. Rampant inflation, currency devaluation, and the regime’s policies exacerbate the hardships endured by millions of Iranians.
PMOI Resistance Units mark International Workers Day with anti-regime activities across Iran. #Iran #PMOI #IranProtests pic.twitter.com/K8MDA7qVVH
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) May 1, 2024
As emphasized by the PMOI Resistance Units, the root cause of workers’ suffering lies with the regime. They assert that only with the overthrow of this oppressive system can the rights of workers be truly restored.
MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu
