In a recurring cycle of despair, Iran’s workers face another year of economic uncertainty as the regime announces the minimum wage and basic salary for the upcoming year.

The timing of this announcement, deliberately set on the last day of the Persian year, aims to stifle any potential protests during the Nowruz holidays, leaving millions of families in a state of gloom.

This tactic of postponing wage determinations has become a hallmark of the regime’s strategy to suppress dissent. Last year, the minimum wage was disclosed in the early hours of the morning, further highlighting the regime’s disregard for the plight of its workforce.

Despite official claims of a 35% increase in the base salary, statistics from the regime’s own Central Bank reveal an inflation rate of 43%, painting a grim reality for workers. Reports of triple-digit inflation rates in essential goods exacerbate the economic strain on ordinary Iranians.

The disparity between wage increases and soaring inflation rates deepens the chasm of poverty, pushing more families into destitution with each passing year. The widening gap between wages and living expenses, particularly in food and housing, perpetuates a cycle of hardship that shows no signs of abating.

The recent announcement of wage increases sparked protests among labor representatives, who denounced the inadequate adjustments that fail to meet even the most basic needs of workers. Despite calls for substantial raises to align with the poverty line, the regime’s response fell short of addressing the dire situation faced by its workforce.

The regime’s neglect of its own labor laws, which mandate adjustments to the minimum wage based on inflation rates, highlights its disregard for international standards and the well-being of its citizens.

The absence of updates to the minimum wage table reflects a systemic failure to address the evolving needs of working-class families. These adjustments further undermine the already precarious situation faced by workers, making it increasingly challenging to afford basic necessities.

Moreover, housing expenses, which consume a significant portion of workers’ salaries, have reached unsustainable levels, forcing many to relocate to impoverished areas on the outskirts of cities. The pervasive sense of hopelessness among Iran’s workers underscores the urgent need for organized resistance against a regime that prioritizes its own interests over the well-being of its people.

In a disheartening move, the regime introduced two separate food baskets, both of which exhibit reduced allocations for essential items compared to previous years.

As workers grapple with the harsh realities of economic hardship, the path forward lies in collective action and solidarity. Only through unified resistance can Iran’s workers hope to break free from the shackles of oppression and forge a brighter future for themselves and future generations.

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