Statement for March 6 International Day of Action in Solidarity with
the Workers of Iran

The International Solidarity Commission of the Industrial Workers of
the World (IWW), an international rank-and-file labor union, warmly
extends our solidarity with the workers of Iran, on this, the occasion
of the March 6th Global Day of Action. Reflecting on the 100+ year
history of our own union, we in the IWW recognize that real victories
for workers have never come without struggle, hardship, and--all too
often--repression. For years now, the Iranian workers have bravely
faced down brutal opposition from government forces, right-wing
clerics and their supporters, and of course, the bosses themselves.
They have paid a terrible price for their efforts to bring about
justice in the workplace and in society. We know that workers,
organizers and activists have been harassed, threatened, beaten,
fined, fired, whipped, jailed and worse, simply for exercising their
right to organize.

On this day we reflect on those who currently face harsh punishment
for simply committing the "crime" of supporting workers' rights. In
particular, we recognize Mansour Osanloo, leader of the Tehran bus
workers' union and Mahmoud Salehi, leader of the Saqez bakery workers.
These two exemplary defenders of the working class have been
repeatedly jailed and abused because they refuse to abandon their
principles and the cause they believe in. Many others, too numerous to
name here, are facing similar repression. While they rot in prison and
fail to even receive urgently needed medical attention, rank and file
workers across Iran continue to suffer deplorable wages and
conditions--when they can find work at all.

Faced with such a vicious assault from the boss class and their
political cohorts, one might expect the Iranian labor movement to
crumble into dust or retreat into secrecy. Instead, the workers of
Iran are demonstrating their courage and resolve by organizing an
international day of protest. We salute the people of Iran and their
allies around the world for this impressive feat. They have earned the
respect of all justice-loving people.

The International Solidarity Commission of the IWW firmly calls upon
the government of Iran to bring about fundamental change to its policy
toward workers, unions, and freedom of association. We demand the
immediate release and full compensation of all Iranian workers and
activists being held as political prisoners. We demand a new labor and
economic policy that puts the interests of workers and poor people
before the interests of big business. We demand that Iranian workers
and activists be permitted to exercise their human rights to freedom
of expression and assembly. To the Islamic Councils, we ask them to
remember the imperative for social justice that is present in almost
all religions and is especially important in Islam. To corporate
officials, we insist that they immediately recognize the demands of
their employees for fair pay, good working conditions and job security
and negotiate in good faith with any unions or workers committees that
their employees choose to associate with. We steadfastly oppose any
war or economic sanctions against Iran and instead call on the U.S.
government and all other governments to lend moral support to the
progressive forces within Iranian society. We say that Iran needs
change but that change must come from within, according to the will of
the people. We look forward to witnessing the day when the workers of
Iran throw off their shackles and win true self-determination.

Once again, we send our heartfelt solidarity and we stand ready to
support the workers' struggle in any way we can.

In solidarity,

The International Solidarity Commission of the Industrial Workers of
the World (IWW).