Tehran Bus Workers Continue Their Struggle for Union Rights

Posted to the IUF website 26-Feb-2006

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Workers at the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company continue their struggle for union rights and recognition in the aftermath of the brutal crackdown by the Iranian authorities in response to a planned January 28 strike (click here for background and to send a message to the Iranian authorities).

Workers rallied outside the Labour Ministry in Tehran on February 22 to demand the release of union members, reinstatement of sacked employees and recognition of their union.

Six members of the union executive were arrested and jailed on the eve of the strike, while police and paramilitaries carried out mass arrests the day of the planned industrial action.

Most of the detained workers, according to the latest reports, have been released, though not reinstated at their jobs. Union leader Mansoor Ossanlou remains in prison, together with at least 7 other union leaders and activists.

On February 15, national and international union organizations held rallies outside Iranian embassies in cities around the world to show their solidarity.