Thousands of oil industry workers from at least eight provinces in Iran have been on strike since June 19, 2021. The striking workers are employed by more than 65 different companies in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industry. Dozens of federations, and trade unions from around the world issued a joint statement on Monday (July 28) in support of the striking contract workers.
At least 35 striking workers at a refinery in Tehran have been fired so far.
The striking workers are demanding higher wages, increased paid leave, elimination of the subcontracting companies, better health and safety, and the right to organize and assemble. They also want permanent contracts.
Subcontracting companies hire workers as contractors in the oil and gas industries. The Iranian Ministry of Petroleum has given these companies two weeks to address the workers’ demands and end the strike, otherwise, the Ministry has threatened to cancel the companies’ contracts.
Independent labor organizations, teachers’ unions, and human rights organizations are supporting the general strike of contract oil workers. The Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company, the Syndicate of Workers of Haft Tappeh Cane Sugar Company, the Iranian Pensioners’ Council, the Tehran Teachers’ Union and the Free Trade Union of Iran are among the unions supporting Iranian workers.
Several international unions have voiced their support for the recent strikes of oil workers in Iran. IndustriALL Global Union, which includes dozens of unions, and the General Union of Iraqi Oil and Gas Workers announced their solidarity with the striking oil workers.
