Iran: Factory workers protest over nine months of unpaid wages

Iran: Factory workers protest over nine months of unpaid wages
Workers at the Gilana tile factory have staged a protest at nine months of unpaid wages and broken promises by bosses. It is the latest in a catalogue of workplace demonstrations across Iran as the regime’s economy lurches into crisis. As the laborers blocked the main Rasht to Qazvin road on Saturday, one striker told a local media:
“We are gathering in front of the factory to protest at nine months of unpaid wages. “Our representative, the governor and city officials promised that two months after the New Year all unpaid wages would be paid, but until now they have not kept their promise “Our employer is not buying any raw materials for production, and is instead using up current supplies.” Another worker added: “The authorities have repeatedly promised to resolve the problem.
The workers of the Gilana tile factory are now not even able to afford bread. “There are 250 workers and retired workers facing this problems.” And a workers’ representative: “The problems started in the second half of 2010 with mismanagement followed by unpaid wages. “Unpaid salaries and due benefits and non-payment of insurance have created legal and economic problems for the workers. “The Gilana factory workers have gathered several times in front of the factory and governor’s office in the past few years to solve the problems they are still now facing. “Nine months of unpaid salaries has reduced workers’ living conditions to a critical situation. “The workers are gathering in front of the factory which is located on the main road, and burning tires in protest at this mismanagement and failure to resolve the problem.”