Workers’ Rights

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.

Permit May Day Labor Observances

(28 April 2008) The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran is appealing to Iranian authorities to allow independent labor activists to gather on 1 May to support fulfillment of their internationally guaranteed rights and express solidarity with one another.

Judge Refuses to Release Imprisoned Labor Activist Who Completed His Sentence

(21 March 2008) Iranian Judiciary officials are refusing to free Mahmoud Salehi, an imprisoned union leader, who is due to complete his sentence on March 23, 2008. A prosecutor has brought new charges against Salehi relating to letters he published while in prison months ago.

Workers Flogged for Celebrating May Day

(26 February 2008) An appeals court in city of Sanandaj has sentenced 11 workers to flogging and financial fines for participating in an event celebrating May Day 2007.

Workers’ Rights

Iranian workers and teachers are denied many protections of basic workers rights, as defined and articulated under longstanding international labor standards. Iranian workers are deprived of such fundamental rights both under Iranian labor law and in practice.