Reported by PMOI / MEK
Iran, Dec. 11, 2018 – The workers of Iran National Steel Industrial group returned to the streets of Ahvaz today to mark the 32nd day of the strikes and the 24th day of their demonstrations. The workers, who had gathered in front of the Khuzestan province governor’s office, held banners that read: “Workers are awake and tired of being exploited.”
Like many other factories and companies across Iran, the steelworkers of Ahvaz have not received their salaries for months, which is the main reason they have been protesting for an extended period of time. They are also demanding the establishment of all production lines, supplying the necessary equipment and parts, and the return of the factory to the control of the government. Private investors, mostly tied to regime officials have been profiteering from the company at the expense of the workers and without oversight, which has enraged the workers.
INSIG is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of steel products in Iran and employs thousands of workers.
On Tuesday, the steelworkers demonstrated in front of the Jazayeri mosque wearing grave shrouds, a signal that they will continue to stand for their rights at any cost.
The workers of Ahvaz are earning the respect and support of their compatriots across Iran as they continue to press for their just demands. On Tuesday, the students of Medical Sciences University in Hamedan expressed their support for the workers by posting pictures in which they held banners that read: “We are the children of workers.”
Students of Hamedan Medical Sciences University express support for the steelworkers of Ahvaz
The students of Modares University in Tehran also expressed their support for the demands of the workers of Ahvaz by holding handwritten banners that read: “We are the children of workers. Wil will stand by their side.”
Students of Modares University (Tehran) support the demands of steel workers of Ahvaz
Yesterday, the steelworkers of Ahvaz held their protest in front of the Khuzestan governorate while wearing grave shrouds and then proceeded to march in the main streets of the city. On their shrouds was written, “We will stand, we will die, but we will not give into disgrace.”
The workers also stopped and sat in front of the house of the Friday Prayers leader of Khuzestan. Elsewhere, the workers disrupted a meeting by parliament members and local authorities who had gathered to discuss the matters of the province.
The workers of Ahvaz hold the Iranian regime responsible for their deteriorating work conditions. In their slogans, the protesting steelworkers are targeting government corruption and the regime’s abuse of its religious authority for economic benefits.
