Workers’ Rights

Labor Leader’s Sister Asks for His Release to Treat Three Blocked Arteries

In an interview with the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, labor activist Mansour Osanloo’s sister, Fereshteh Osanloo, reported her brother’s dangerous health condition in prison and said he needs immediate surgery. “There is very little left of his prison term. He should be freed in two or three months. But his heart condition is dangerous now. Last month, when the prison infirmary was unable to treat him, he was transferred to a hospital outside for an angiography. Doctors there determined that three of his arteries are blocked and that he needs immediate surgery. We requested that they help him to be sent outside the prison for treatment, but so far we have not heard anything,” said Osanloo’s sister.

Taxi Drivers Strike to Protest Low Fares in Babol

Hundreds taxi drivers in the Northern city of Babol went on strike yesterday, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran learned today. The strike began at 9:00 a.m. in front of the Babol Governor’s Office, and lasted four hours. Security and intelligence forces tried to disperse the crowd of striking cab drivers, but they were unable to prevent the strike. According to the Iranian Constitution, individuals can gather peacefully to demand their trade rights. Several drivers and members of the Taxi Drivers’ Union were summoned to the Police Intelligence Unit, and questioned by police security and intelligence officers, as well as authorities from the Babol Intelligence Office.

Unionist Reza Shahabi on Wet Hunger Strike

Reza Shahabi, an imprisoned board member of the Union of Workers of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company (Sherkat-e Vahed), ended his dry hunger strike but remains on wet hunger strike. The information was confirmed by Hassan Shahabi, Reza Shahabi’s brother, who spoke with the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran yesterday. “I talked to my brother by phone yesterday afternoon at 4:30. He said by requests from a number of labor and political activists, as well as from his family who were concerned about his condition, he has ended his dry hunger strike as of today, but he will remain on wet hunger strike,” Shahabi said.

Trade Unionist on Dry Hunger Strike, Grave Concerns for his Health

The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran said today that the Iranian Judiciary must immediately release labor activist Reza Shahabi, who is currently on a dry hunger strike.

Clampdown on Teachers and Labor Activists

(30 April 2010) The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran today urged Iranian authorities to respect the rights of trade union activists and teachers to participate in International Workers Day (1 May) and National Teachers Day (2 May) observations, and expressed deep concern about recent arrests of members of teachers groups in an apparent attempt to intimidate others from demonstrating.

In February 2010, in the course of a review of its human rights record under the United Nations Universal Periodic Review process, Iran agreed to respect the social and economic rights of its citizens and their right to freedom of expression as recommended by Brazil, Mexico, Zimbabwe, Bolivia, Vietnam, and Kuwait.

Labor Activists Begin Prison Terms

(9 November 2009) Four leaders of the Syndicate of Workers of Haft Tapeh Sugar Cane Company, including Fereydoun Nikoufard, Jalil Ahmadi, Ghorban Alipour and Mohammad Haydari have been summoned by intelligence officials and arrested to begin serving prison terms, and are being held in Dezful prison, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran said today. Ali Nejati, the president of the Syndicate, is expecting to be arrested at any time.

“These sentences and arrests are emblematic of the Islamic Republic’s denial of basic workers rights in violation of Iran’s obligations as a member of the International Labor Organization (ILO),” said Hadi Ghaemi, a spokesperson for the Campaign.

Mother and Wife of Ailing, Imprisoned Labor Leader Plead for His Release

(17 May 2009) The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran urged Iran’s leading judicial authorities to review the conviction and sentencing of labor activist Mansour Osanloo and to release him. Government appointed medical examiners have twice ordered an end to his imprisonment due to his failing health, but judicial authorities have failed to release him.

The Campaign is seriously concerned that further imprisonment of Osanloo could cause his death. Iranian prison officials have a track record of denying urgent health care to prisoners of conscience, resulting in their death.

Release All Activists Detained on May Day

(8 May 2009) The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran called for the release of all labor activists and six members of the One Million Signatures Campaign still in detention after their violent arrest on 1 May as they gathered to peacefully celebrate the International Workers’ Day, and called on the International Labor Organization (ILO) to condemn the arrests.

“The brutal and illegal treatment of workers in Iran seeking respect for their rights deserves to be protested by the ILO and members of the international community,” stated Aaron Rhodes, a spokesperson for the Campaign.

Security Forces Violently Attack and Detain Labor Rights Activists Observing May Day

(1 May 2009) Security and police forces violently attacked Iranian workers as they gathered in Laleh Park in Tehran to observe International Workers’ Day on May 1st, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran reported. According to information received by the Campaign more than 100 persons were arrested, and citizens not participating in the attempted May Day observance were among those beaten.

“These brutal and deplorable attacks are emblematic of the Iranian government’s utter contempt for workers,” stated Hadi Ghaemi, spokesperson for the Campaign.

Labor Activists in Peril as May Day Approaches

(30 April 2009) Iranian workers will observe May 1st, International Workers’ Day, as the government increases its suppression of independent labor movements, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran said in a new report (available in Persian) today.

During the past year, workers previously attempting to celebrate May Day were prosecuted, and sentenced to prison and lashings. The prominent labor leader Mansour Ossanloo remains in prison, as well as other labor organizers including Ebrahim Maddadi, Farzad Kamangar, and Ghaleb Husseini. On 16 April 2009, more than 73 workers in the city of Sanandaj were arrested as they met privately to plan May Day celebrations.