Protest by Jahan Chit Workers 2002-05-26

We have received the following report regarding workers protests in Iran from a young worker , this morning

On Sunday the 26^th of May 2002 (3rd Khordad 1381) around 200 to 250 workers from Jahan Chit factory ( Karaj) staged yet another sit-in , in protest (at non payment of salaries) and stopped traffic on the main street in Karaj ( Behshti street) .

According to one of the workers their main demand was a resolution of their living conditions , given that they have not been paid any wages, bonuses for over 4 months. This worker added that the ‘shora’ ( a government set up workers organisation) dissolved itself after its period of office finished and the management has not allowed the workers to hold elections .It should be noted that 51 per cent of the shares of this factory belongs to ‘Bonyad Mostazafin’ (an Islamic foundation associated with the regime) and therefore resolution of the workers plight lies with this foundation.

The workers shouted the following slogans, which rhyme in Farsi:

Hokoumat Ali inhameh biedalti - “Ali’s (religious )government so much injustice

Felestin ra raha kon fekri beh hal ma kon- Never mind Palestine, deal with our problem (a reference to the Islamic government’s preoccupation with Palestine)

In addition, addressing people on the streets of Karaj, the workers said:

Iran Shodeh Felstin, chera neshastin

Iran has become Palestine , why are you sitting (not protesting)

At 11.30 am , as security forces gathered around the protesters , the workers dispersed.

Report from Iran, translated, distributed by Workers Left Unity- Iran,

Etehad Chap Kargari – Sunday 26^th May 2002

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