Reported by PMOI/MEK
Iran, Dec. 9, 2018 – Employees of the National Steel Group in Ahvaz, southwest Iran, launched the 30th consecutive day of protests and strike on Sunday, marching throughout the city. The protesting steelworkers were also seen rallying outside the Khuzestan Province governor’s office, demanding their delayed paychecks and protesting corrupt policies practiced by regime officials.
The workers’ demonstration began today from the Naderi Bridge outside the Bank Saderat (Export) as workers were hand in hand in a strong sign of unity.
Their chants included:
“Victory is near. Down with this deceptive government.”
“No to live in shame.”
“The center of corruption in Ahvaz is right here,” they chanted in reference to the Bank Melli branch in Ahvaz.
The steelworkers are saying if their demands go unanswered they will resort to stronger measures and there is no possibility of going back on their demands.
On Saturday morning, the steelworkers rallied for the 29th day with a large number of locals and store-owners joining their ranks and expressing support for their cause. The workers then entered the bazaar complex and continued their demonstration.
The Iranian opposition National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) Labor Commission issued a statement shedding light on the regime’s repressive and deceptive measures imposed against the steelworkers.
“While Ahvaz steelworkers are on the fourth week of their strike and protests, the anti-labor and plunderer regime of the mullahs tries to break down and end their strike through repressive measures and deception. However, the catastrophic livelihood of the workers and their families continues.
“On December 8, "Public Relations of Ahvaz Steel Factory" tried to create division among the workers by giving some false promises through a statement. However, immediately after holding their "general assembly" on that same day, the vigilant workers announced that they have heard such words more than enough and these are the very false promises they have heard from the Khuzestan General Labor Office since the first days.
“Workers also wrote in their statement that they will continue to protest and strike until they achieve their goals, including the return of the company to the government main structure, the establishment of all production lines and the provision of necessary equipment and parts, solving the problem of workers' insurance, and regular and timely payment of salaries.
“On the other hand, following government’s deceptive promises to workers to end their strike, the infamous intelligence office in Ahvaz summoned a number of workers and threatened them to be arrested if the strike continued. In another yet roguish attempt, the mullahs’ intelligence has sent some mole elements among the workers in a bid to deviate their slogans and protests.
“The NCRI Labor Committee urges all oppressed workers, guilds, educators, and employees as well as the rising youth in the country, especially in Khuzestan, to support the leading workers of the National Steel Industrial Group in Ahvaz.”
