[Marxism] Update on Transit Strike in Tehran/Iran

["Mahmood ketabchi" <mekchi@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Issue date: 28/1/2006


To workers, all trade unions and progressive organisations of the world


Condemn the attack on our strike



On behalf of the 17,000 workers and employees of Tehran and Suburbs Vahed Bus 
Company, we would like to inform you, the labour organisations of the world and 
all those who are distressed by the violation of the most evident rights of 
people, that today, 28th January, our all-out strike met the unprecedented 
assault of the security forces of the Islamic Republic.



They raided our homes from the night before; they even took our young kids to 
prison.  They arrested a large number of people - the exact figure for which we 
still don't have, but certainly over several hundred.  They forced some of our 
colleagues to drive the buses, by beating them up and threatening them.  They 
enlisted the help of drivers from the armed forces, and set upon us thousands 
of police and security officers - both uniformed and plain clothed - in order 
to smash our strike.  This is the situation we are in.



What was the strike for?  It was for the release of Mr Ossanlou and the other 
leaders of the Syndicate, thrown into jail for no reason at all by bullying.  
It was for the introduction of collective bargaining, for the recognition of 
the union, for a pay increase, and so on.  Can you believe it that for such 
demands they would launch such a brutal and massive war on us bus workers?



This is what the Islamic Republic did, and we have no choice but to continue 
our struggle with even greater resolve and unity.  We ask you our colleagues 
and fellow workers throughout the world, you who can have your own unions and 
organisations, to condemn this action of the Iranian state.  We trust that you 
will call for the immediate and unconditional release of all the detainees, for 
the recognition of our union and for the meeting of our demands.  We expect 
that you will condemn the assault on our strike and demand the prosecution and 
punishment of all those who stormed workers' picket lines.



We hereby thank all those trade unions and organisations who have supported our 
struggles.  We have a hard and long battle ahead of us and urge you to continue 
your support.



Regards,



Syndicate of Workers and Employees of Tehran and Suburbs Vahed Bus Company

28/1/2006 



For more info. check the website:  
http://labourstart.org/cgi-bin/show_news.pl?country=Iran<http://labourstart.org/cgi-bin/show_news.pl?country=Iran>


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