Workers’ Rights

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.

Arbitrary Detention of Trade Unionists Continues

(9 April 2009) The month-long detention and solitary confinement of Ali Nejati, President of the Haft Tapeh Sugar Cane Union, is without legal justification, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran said today. Nejati’s whereabouts were finally revealed after his wife visited him at the Intelligence Detention Center in Ahwaz on 6 April 2009. She was allowed to see him for only a few minutes.

Ali Nejati was arrested by Intelligence officials at his home on 8 March 2009. His lawyer, Mohammad Olyaeifard, informed the Campaign that he only learned of his client’s case and whereabouts on 6 April.

Trade Unionist Held in Unknown Location Should Be Released

(17 March 2009) The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran today called upon the Iranian Judiciary to immediately release Ali Nejati, a trade union leader, and end its persecution and prosecution of labor activists.

Intelligence agents detained Nejati at his home on 8 March. He is currently being held in incommunicado detention at an undisclosed location. The authorities have not provided any information to Nejati’s family about the charges against him or where he is currently detained. The Campaign expressed its serious concerns for Nejati’s health and safety.

Two Women Labor Activists Flogged; Their Crime: Celebrating May Day

(20 February 2009) Two Iranian women labor activists, convicted for participating in May Day celebrations, have been punished by flogging, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran reported today.

According to local sources, on 18 February, Sussan Razani and Shiva Kheirabadi were flogged inside the central prison in Sanandaj, Kurdistan. Razani was flogged 70 lashes and Kheirabadi received 15 lashes.

“These inhumane and barbaric floggings demonstrate an utter disregard for the rights of Iranian citizens,” said Hadi Ghaemi, the Campaign’s spokesperson.

Fatal Workplace Fire Highlights Need for Independent Workers Unions

(29 May 2008) Security forces and riot police attacked a peaceful gathering of thousands of workers from the Haft-Tapeh Sugar factory in the southern Iranian city of Shush on 26 May 2008, detaining 12 workers. The workers have been demonstrating for the past 21 days demanding unpaid wages for the past three months as well as the resignation of management and representatives of the Intelligence Ministry, and an end to the prosecution of many workers who have been detained and put on trial.