IWW statement for March 6 Day of Action
Submitted on Wed, 03/05/2008 - 2:00pm
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).