On February 3, 2025, Iranian telecom retirees and industrial workers protested and struck over unpaid pensions and low wages across several provinces. The protests highlighted systemic issues in the economy, including privatization impacts, rising inflation, and labor disputes. Despite government inaction, demonstrators vow to persist until their demands are met, revealing significant public discontent.
On February 3, 2025, retirees from Iran’s telecommunications sector initiated significant protests across various provinces, while industrial workers in Tabriz commenced a strike. These actions represent a growing discontent over economic hardships and government neglect, with protests occurring in at least 14 cities, including Tehran and Sanandaj. The demonstrations highlight the systemic socio-economic crisis affecting the nation.
The telecom retirees protested against unpaid benefits and pension rights, emphasizing the negative impacts of privatization in the telecommunications industry. In front of telecom offices, they displayed banners demanding action such as “Telecom Company, fulfill your promises!” and “Where is my right? Thirteen years have passed!” Their determination is shown as they commit to continuing demonstrations every Monday until their issues are addressed.
In Tehran, protestors criticized the regime’s tendency to blame external enemies for domestic issues, chanting, “Our enemy is right here, they lie when they say it’s America!” They specifically condemned the influence of regime-affiliated financial institutions in worsening their conditions. A primary focus remains on the implementation of Article 89 Pension Regulation for better pension conditions, as protestors accuse management of delaying payments amidst rising living costs.
In Tabriz, workers from Charkheshgar Company engaged in strikes due to low wages and poor working conditions. Economic mismanagement has led to inflation that severely affects the industrial sector, forcing workers to demand salary increases and better benefits. Unfortunately, authorities have frequently responded to labor unrest with intimidation rather than meaningful reforms.
The escalating protests reflect Iran’s deepening economic crisis, fueled by rampant corruption and inflation, leading to widespread public dissatisfaction. Despite ongoing demonstrations and repeated promises from the government, reforms regarding pensions remain largely unaddressed. The commitment of workers and retirees to persist in their demands is a clear indication of rising opposition against the ruling establishment’s economic policies.
The protests being reported arise from persistent economic hardships in Iran, exacerbated by mismanagement and the privatization of key sectors like telecommunications. As pensions remained unpaid and wages stagnated, retirees and industrial workers took to the streets to voice their grievances. These demonstrations shed light on the broader socio-economic crisis impacting diverse sectors of Iranian society, highlighting the urgent need for government intervention and reform.
The protest actions by telecommunications retirees and industrial workers signify a critical juncture in Iran’s socio-economic landscape. As retirees demand their rightful pensions and workers seek fair wages, their collective actions demonstrate the growing unrest and resilience against systemic government neglect. The commitment to protesting shows a cohesive movement aiming to address fundamental rights and reforms within an increasingly fragile economic framework.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
