Statement by the workers of Haft Tapeh Sugar Cane Company

The workers of Haft Tapeh Sugar Cane Company have issued a statement on January 21, 2008 in which they reported that following their successful strike and protest actions they were able to achieve some of their basic demands; thus they decided to form their own independent organization through creating a founding committee and then organizing a general assembly of workers; principally because workers did not accept the government-sponsored Islamic labour council and the Workers’ House. However, these workers report that the government authorities have been dealing with them since then in a very repressive manner. Workers contacted the Ministry of Labour to register their labour organization; then they were referred to the Labour Office in the city of Shoush where they were treated harshly by this office and by the Intelligence Ministry’s agents. Some of these workers have been harassed and threatened by the intelligent forces and the company’s security. These fellow workers have vowed that they will continue their struggles to achieve their rightful demands and to form an independent labour organization. They are calling on other workers and labour organizations to condemn the government forces’ intimidations and oppressive behaviours and to support Haft Tapeh workers and their struggles.

Workers at the state-owned Haft Tapeh Sugar Cane Company were on strike for about ten times in less than one year in 2007 for their unpaid wages and other demands. Each time they faced repression by security forces as well as empty promises by the company’s management. At times, they were successful in getting some of their unpaid wages and forcing management to accept some of their demands; however, they have been under increasing threats and persecution in recent months by the security forces and the intelligence ministry. Workers have openly announced that they are trying to form their independent organization, which has been violently opposed by the government authorities.  There are over 5000 employees at the Haft Tapeh Sugar cane Company.

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Please continue with your solidarity actions:

Send an appeal to the Iranian authorities to release Mahmoud Salehi immediately or to ensure he urgently receives appropriate medical treatment.

Amnesty International: http://www.amnesty.org.uk/actions_details.asp?ActionID=386

Mansour Osanloo and Mahmoud Salehi – Iran: Send a message of hope | Send an appeal to the Iranian authorities

http://amnesty.org.uk/actions_details.asp?ActionID=352

LabourStart:

http://www.labourstart.org/cgi-bin/solidarityforever/show_campaign.cgi?c=295

ITF: www.freeosanloo.org

For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected].

International Alliance in Support of Workers in Iran (IASWI)

Background Information: www.workers-iran.org

http://www.etehadbinalmelali.com/INDEXI.htm