Reporting by PMOI/MEK
Iran, October 28, 2020—As economic conditions continue to deteriorate in Iran, people of all walks of life are protesting to the regime’s corrupt economic policies and disregard toward the plight of the people. In particular, workers, who are among the worst-hit segments of the society, are constantly protesting their work and life status. These protests are taking place despite widespread efforts by the regime to intimidate the public and prevent protests from taking place.
On Tuesday, October 27, the Navid Zar Shimi petrochemical (NZC) workers went on strike in the port of ”Imam”, southern Iran, demanding an increase in their salaries.
In the city of Rudbar, northern Iran, the workers Damash mineral water factory workers have been holding protest rallies for several consecutive days, demanding the payment of delayed salaries.
It is worth noting that 12 of Damash mineral water workers were fired recently under various pretexts while their wages and insurance premiums have not been paid for several months.
“About 20 workers are still working in this factory, they currently have not been paid for three-and-half months, and their social insurance has been delayed for several months,” said one of the workers.
On Tuesday, October 27, in the city of Arak, a group of preschool teachers held a rally in front of the General Directorate of Education in Markazi Province, central Iran, demanding unconditional employment.
A group of educators from the Literacy Movement, in the city of Dezful, southwest Iran, also demanded that their job status be clarified.
On Monday, October 26, a group of workers of the National Iranian Drilling Company held a rally in Ahvaz, Khuzestan province, protesting their six-month-delayed wages and officials’ failure to pay the workers' social security premiums.
Analyst warns of possible uprisings in Iran
Iranian officials warn of the recurrence of nationwide protests
Javad Emam, one of the analysts tied to the so-called reformist current in the regime warned on Tuesday: “Today, the pressure on the people is much more than last year and before the coronavirus outbreak. Consequently, frustration and dissatisfaction has also increased. Some have lost their jobs, some have seen a considerable drop in their income. And the unbridled inflation we’re facing has cause even more dissatisfaction.”
Emam, whose remarks were published on the Bartarinha website, also pointed out that the government has done nothing to ease the pressure on the people, including reducing taxes on sectors where there has been significant job and income loss.
“People’s income has not increased, but expense have multiplied, and everything has fallen on the shoulders of the people,” Emam said, adding that all of this increases the likelihood of a reaction from the people.
Emam called the situation a “serious warning” for officials and warned: “The people not only have serious problems today, but there’s also no prospect for the people to hope that after the coronavirus outbreak, there will be an opening.”
