On Sunday, January 28, the Ahvaz Industrial Group of Steel workers marked their sixth day of strike, taking to the central streets of Ahvaz to protest against the violation of their rights and the government’s indifference to their demands.

Chanting slogans such as “Our enemy is here, they lie it is the U.S.,” and “If our problem is not solved, Ahvaz will be in chaos,” the protesters expressed their frustration.

The strike, which began on Thursday, January 24, has led to the shutdown of the factory’s production line. The workers gathered outside the governorate building, marching towards both the Ahvaz governorate and the Bank Melli building, which owns the factory. The Iranian National Industrial Group of Steel, with 3,000 employees, was transferred to Bank Melli in 2011 due to a disclosed 30 billion rial embezzlement by regime-affiliated capitalists.

The Bank Melli, effectively controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has been accused of severe worker exploitation and suppression. The workers are demanding the eviction of Bank Melli from the industrial group. In December and January, protests erupted over the non-implementation of the occupational classification scheme and low wages, leading to the suspension and banning of 21 workers.

The workers escalated their protest by stopping five production lines, calling for the eviction of Bank Melli. In July 2023, six workers were banned, and 17 workers were sentenced to flogging and imprisonment. The discontent extends beyond Ahvaz, with retirees and workers from various regions holding rallies against poverty and low wages. The government’s acknowledgment of rising living costs, coupled with experts’ claims that most workers’ wages fall short, adds fuel to the workers’ grievances.

As the workers unite in their demand for justice and fair wages, the ongoing protests highlight the deep-seated issues faced by laborers across different industries in Iran. The government faces mounting pressure to address these concerns and find a resolution to prevent further escalation.

MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI  (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu