Reports from Iran say workers in the petrochemical sector have gone on strike in Tehran and southern Iran, where most plants are located, demanding higher wages amid high inflation.
With the motto of “We will not give up our rights”, the workers have launched “Strike campaign 1400”, referring to the current Iranian calendar year 1400. Images published on social media show workers on strike and congregating to demand more pay and better conditions in several cities.
Workers from Jahan Pars, Gachsaran Petrochemicals, Tehran Refinery, Abadan Refinery and other plants and companies were refusing to work.
Iran’s inflation rate has surpassed 50 percent and prices for food have gone up around 70 percent in the past 12 months. US sanctions have stopped most of Iran’s oil exports and the government has resorted to printing money to close a huge budget gap. As a result, the national currency has depreciated eightfold in the past three years.
Hundreds of oil and gas industry workers protested on May 26 against Petroleum Minister Bijan Zanganeh, demanding higher pay. Workers gathered in Tehran outside parliament as well as in Ahvaz, capital of the oil-producing Khuzestan province chanting slogans against lack of proper pay amid rising prices.
Worker strikes and protests have been a daily occurrence in the country with many arrested and a few labor activists tortured in prison.
Source » iranintl