Iranian oil workers strike

Wednesday, January 22, 1997 - 11:00

Iranian oil workers strike

Oil refinery workers in Tehran, Tabriz, Shiraz and Esfahan struck for two days on December 18 and 19. The strike came after the government failed to meet a two-month deadline to recognise the strikers' right of collective bargaining.

The workers have announced an indefinite strike beginning on January 19 if their demands are not met.

In Iran there is no legal right to organise or strike. The government is notorious for the intimidation and sacking of protesting workers, for arbitrary arrest and even execution of worker activists and for using the military against strikers.

Individuals and organisations are urged to send protest letters to the Iranian embassy supporting the oil workers: Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, PO Box 3219, Manuka ACT 2603; fax 06 290 2431.

From GLW issue 259