Global Day of Action March 6: Free Jailed Iranian Trade Unionists!

Posted to the IUF website 20-Feb-2008

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Trade unions internationally are calling for a global day of action on March 6 to highlight the situation of jailed workers leaders in Iran and to demand their release. In particular, the campaign is highlighting the cases of Mansour Osanloo and Mahmoud Salehi, imprisoned leaders of the Tehran bus workers' and the Saqez bakers' unions, respectively. Both organizations are independent of the government and its captive "Islamic labour Councils". Both men have been repeatedly jailed for their activities in defense of workers rights, and both are urgently in need of proper medical attention.

Their cases are not isolated - 11 workers in the city of Sanandaj have just been sentenced to receive 10 lashes in a public whipping (in addition to being fined) for attempting to participate in May Day events last year. A dozen teachers were recently sentenced to 3 months imprisonment. The jails and prisons are full.

March 6 is a day to highlight the call for the release of jailed worker rights activists and respect for the fundamental rights for Iranian workers. The IUF urges all affiliates, national centers and supporters of democratic rights around the world to take part. Your voices are needed.

On the special website of the International Transport Workers' Federation you can find campaign materials (in English, French and Spanish), regular updates and a link to labourstart's online petition in support of the campaign.