On February 15, protests were held outside Iranian consulates in various countries to demand the release of jailed members of Tehran's bus drivers' union, including its leader Mansoor Osanloo. Hundreds of unionists and family members were arrested and many beaten in late January when the union organised a strike in support of its collective bargaining negotiations and in protest at Osanloo's December arrest. The February 15 actions, backed by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions and the International Transport Workers Federation, also demanded recognition of the union, respect for the workers' collective bargaining rights and the right of the workers to return to their jobs.
From Green Left Weekly, February 22, 2006.
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