Iran: Riot police bring Shiraz telecom workers' strike to an end

The workers of Iran Telecommunications Industry in Shiraz, in southern Iran, have not been paid for five months. They went on strike, including blocking the street opposite the factory, and they chanted slogans condemning their situation, criticising their bosses and managers, and even government leaders. The protest was broken up by the violent intervention of the riot police.

The workers of Iran Telecommunications Industry in Shiraz, in southern Iran, have not been paid for five months. The 1200 workers have gathered in front of the Fars province governor general's office many times but no officials have taken any steps to help them or responded to their demands.

The dire economic situation of the workers has begun to have tragic consequences. On Monday 12 August, Ali Kiamarsi, a worker in the assembly section of the plant, attempted suicide by hanging himself inside the factory. Fortunately his workmates rescued him and took him to a hospital in Shiraz.

Following this harrowing event the workers went on strike and their protest included blocking the street opposite the factory. They chanted slogans condemning their situation, criticising their bosses and managers, and even government leaders.

The workers' protest was broken up by the violent intervention of the riot police. They shot and threw tear gas canisters at the workers and then began beating and hitting them. The workers were forced to bring their protest and strike to an end.

Iranian Workers' Solidarity Network
21 August 2008