Justice for Iranian Workers

In the latest crackdown on Iran’s independent union at the giant cane growing and processing Haft Tapeh complex in the southern city of Shush, Executive Board President Reza Rakhshan was sentenced to 6 months in prison on December 1 by the Court of Appeal in the city of Ahvaz. The charge was “spreading lies” – the consequence of an article Rakhshan recently published entitled ‘Happy Birthday Sugarcane Workers!’ Read more…

Education International is deeply troubled to hear reports that Iranian teacher trade unionist Farzad Kamangar was among five people who were summarily executed in secret on 9 May.

Farzad Kamangar, a 35-year-old married man and member of the Teachers’ Union of Kurdistan, was accused of “endangering national security” and “enmity against God”. He had lived with the threat of the death penalty since February 2008, when it was imposed upon him after a sham trial that lasted less than five minutes.

Although the Iranian authorities had accepted Farzad’s appeal, the case stalled when it should have been sent to the Supreme Court for review. After further delays, Farzad’s lawyer was told that his file had been lost. Despite the evident lack of independent inquiry into the allegations and the absence of a fair judicial process, Farzad has still been reportedly executed.

EI General Secretary, Fred van Leeuwen, said: “We are all deeply shocked and saddened to hear that Farzad has been executed. His case was particularly troubling to our 30 million members because of the opaque and secretive manner in which his trial was conducted, the lack of basic rights he had access to whilst in prison, and the fact that neither his family or legal representatives were informed of his execution. This is a terrible day for teachers, union activists and human rights. EI expresses our solidarity with Farzad’s family, colleagues and students.”

He added: “EI recognises the rights and responsibilities of all governments to bring to justice those suspected of criminal offences but this must be in line with international and national standards of fair trial. EI is also unequivocal that the Iranian government must ensure respect for all trade union and human rights.”

The trade union and human rights community had campaigned against the death penalty and prosecution of Farzad. EI and its affiliates have been particularly vocal and lobbied the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association, which subsequently ‘urge[d] the Government [of Iran] to immediately stay the execution of Farzad Kamangar’s death sentence, annul his conviction and secure his release from detention.’

Call for action:

• EI is joining international networks and campaigns to remember Farzad and support other Iranian teachers and union activists, including Rasoul Bodaghi, Hashem Khastar and Bahman Goudarzzade, who remain in prison within Iran.
• EI is writing to the Supreme Leader and Iranian authorities to request a transparent investigation into the execution of Farzad and to halt any further executions.
• EI is informing and calling on all EI affiliates to write to their respective country’s foreign office to express their shock at the execution of Farzad, to call for open and fair trials, and an end to the death penalty.
• EI is encouraging its affiliates to hold vigils to mark the sad news of the death of Farzad

Source http://www.ei-ie.org/en/news/show.php?id=1254&theme=rights&country=iran

The ITUC is deeply shocked and has strongly condemned the recent execution of the teacher and trade unionist Farzad Kamangar, together with four other prisoners on Sunday 9 May. According to the information received by the ITUC, Farzad Kamangar was sentenced after a court process that did not meet international or Iranian standards for a fair trial.

The ITUC has also denounced the inhumane treatment of Farzad Kamangar’s family, who were not informed before the execution took place.

The ITUC has already written to the president of Iran on several occasions to strongly condemn attacks by the Iranian authorities on independent trade unions in the country and the intensification of repression against the Iranian people in general and trade unionists in particular and to protest against the latest wave of repression that has targeted trade unionists in this country.

“The ITUC is shocked with what happened to Farzad Kamangar. Imprisoned trade unionists must be freed and all other threats of imprisonment against independent trade unionists for their legitimate activities must be lifted,” said Guy Ryder, ITUC general secretary.

In a letter to the Iranian authorities the ITUC urges the Iranian president to halt any further escalation of trade union repression and human rights abuses against trade union members. The ITUC will complain to the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association about this gross violation of the principles of the ILO, and it will call on all of its affiliates across the entire world to denounce this inhumane act.

Source http://www.ituc-csi.org/iran-execution-of-a-trade-unionist.html

More than one source of information have now stated that Mohammad Lotfi, Amir Yaghoub and Behnam Ebrahim Zadeh were released from jail in early June. This would mean that the only remaining detainee from the May Day mass arrests is Mehdi Shandiz Farahani.

We Want Justice For Iranian People! Here’s a support photo from some young people in Geneva, Switzerland. For the socialist youth of Geneva (Clara)

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ATU, USA

This is a message of solidarity from ATU (Amalgamated Transit Union) Local 1005. We cover the bus drivers and train drivers in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area also known as the Twin Cities. We support the struggles of our Union brothers and sisters in Iran who have to work underground and face extreme oppression. Your actions are a shining light to workers around the world of what can be accomplished even under extreme oppression. And with the economic crisis and the recent events that have shaken Iran we wanted to let you know that on the other side of the world we are watching and supporting you. Keep your heads up and Keep fighting! Solidarity (Ryan Timlin, ATU 1005)

Australia - University of Notre Dame

We had a small ceremony on 26 June to mark the day of action led by our university chaplain. In solidarity (Email report by Richard)
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Korea

The Korea Automobile Workers’ Union used their seminar on 26 June to discuss the Iranian issues. The seminar adopted a resolution in solidarity with the Iranian workers. (Email report by H K Kim) Read more…

Independent unions in Iran have reacted positively to protests for freedom in Iran that were held worldwide on 26 June, in which trade unionists and human rights activists from over forty countries took part.

Twenty-six independent unions and other Iranian workers’ organisations released a statement in conjunction with the Action Day expressing appreciation for this solidarity. Read more…

Education International, together with other Global Unions and a hundred trade unionists and human rights activists, demonstrated on 26 June in front of the Iranian Embassy in Brussels to demand justice for Iranian workers.

Speakers included representatives of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), EI, Amnesty International and the Belgian trade unions confederations CGSLB/ACLVB, CSC/ACV and FGTB/ABVV.

Read more…

Actions were carried out by unions (including IUF affiliates) and labour rights supporters in over 40 countries on June 26 - declared as a global action day to demand full respect for trade union rights and freedom for all jailed trade unionists in Iran.Responding to the call from IUF, ITF, Education International, ITUC and Amnesty International, demonstrations and other actions were held at Iranian embassies, consulates and missions in major cities in every region of the world, while unions, Amnesty sections and NGOs elsewhere protested, sent messages and showed their solidarity and support with workers in Iran in many creative ways. The show of support for Iranian workers was all the stronger in that repression and denial of trade union rights and freedoms was overshadowed by general outrage over the bloody crackdown on peaceful post-election protests. Read more…

London Protest (ITF and TUC)

Canberra Protest (MUA) and Wellington Protest (RMTU)

Copenhagen Protest (Amnesty International Denmark)

Canada - Vancouver (22h50 BST)

On 25 June, the Vancouver & District Labour Council organised a rally in solidarity with the Iranian workers. (Email report by Annie Labaj)

Canada - Ottawa (22h00 BST)

The demonstration at the Iranian embassy in Ottawa was attended by 100 people. Solidarity greetings were presented by representatives of Amnesty International, Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) and the National Teachers Federation (NTF). Paul Dewar, the federal New Democratic Party (NDP) Member of Parliament for the riding of Ottawa Centre also spoke. There were restrictions in front of the embassy so the demo was held across the street. There were a lot of flags and chanting and music. The campaign stickers were everywhere. (Email report by George Floresco)

Denmark (19h09 BST)
The Danish Section of Amnesty International mobilised its activists and organised a demonstration in front of the Iranian embassy in Copenhagen. (Email report by incerly Yours John Nielsen)

Netherlands (12h17 BST)

Members of FNV Bondgenoten in the Netherlands organised solidarity activity in front of the “Proviniehuis” in Utrecht where members of the union’s parliament had a meeting on the Iran Action Day. (Email report by Hans Hupkes)



News from Germany, South Africa, Sweden, Tunisia

On the occasion of the worldwide action day, German union GDBA yesterday sent a protest letter calling on the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Germany to support the fight for justice and the implementation of globally recognized human rights in Iran. Unions in other countries, including SATAWU (South Africa), LO (Sweden) and Fédération Nationale des Chemins de Fer (Tunisia) have also sent their protest letters to the Iranian authorities.

Italy (14h32 BST)

On 25 June, representatives of the ITUC, OECD-TUAC and national labour centres of the G8 countries expressed their deep concern over the situation in Iran at their meeting in Rome. Led by the Italian centres, CGIL,CISL and UIL, the union delegation visited the Iranian Embassy to hold a protest rally. Click here to see the video. (Email report by June Sorensen)

Belgium - Brussels (16h27)

At 13:00 about 70 trade union and Amnesty International representatives came together in front of the Iranian Embassy in Brussels. They were representing a huge trade union coalition including the ITUC, EI, other Global Union Federations, and the ETF as the European Transport Workers’ Federation. On behalf of the Belgian unions the three trade union centres, FGTB, CSC and CBSLB were present as well as three ITF / ETF affiliates: BTB/UBOT, ACV Transcom and the CGSP. No representatives from the Embassy came out to meet with the participants and so the trade union leaders delivered their protest letter to the Embassy’s letter box. (Email report by Sabine Trier)

Norway (15h43 BST)

The Norwegian Unions Fagforbundet, Norsk Transportarbeiderforbund and other ITF affiliates organised a successful demonstration today outside the Iranian Embassy in Oslo, bringing together 150 people. The Embassy refused to receive a protest letter from the Norwegian unions and so it was delivered to the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs who will send the letter to the Embassy. (Email report by Per Østvold)

Great Britain (15h10 BST)

Representatives from the ITF, TUC, Amnesty International and UK affiliates participated in a protest rally between 12:30 and 13:30 opposite the Iranian Embassy in London. Activists displayed flags, campaign banners and posters with the messages “Free Osanloo” and “Justice for Iranian Workers”. Leaflets with information about the global campaign were also distributed. Demonstrators held placards bearing the names of those arrested at trade union demonstrations on May Day in Tehran who have still not been released. A delegation of unionists and human rights activists attempted to deliver 16,000 Amnesty International postcards calling on the Iranian Government to release the jailed Iranian prisoners, however the Embassy did not meet the delegation or receive the postcards. Participants at the rally signed a red flag in solidarity with workers in Iran.” Click here for the TUC video.

Turkey (13h19 BST)

Turkish unions including Tekgida-Is, TÜMTIS and BIRLESIK METAL –IS took part in a protest at the Iranian Consulate of Istanbul, organised by TÜRK-IS (Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions) and DISK (Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Turkey), to show solidarity and support to the workers and people of Iran. (Email report by Burcu Ayan)

Spain (11h57 BST)

This morning representatives from UGT and CC.OO met in front of the Iranian Embassy to protest the imprisonment of trade unionists in Iran. The delegation was not permitted to enter the Embassy however a joint letter from the two national centres was handed over to an employee at the Embassy. (Email report by Sebastian Serena)

Belgium - Antwerp (11h42 BST)

Today at midday BTB-ABVV unionists joined together to organise a protest in front of the BTB offices to show solidarity support to the Iranian workers and to protest against human and workers・rights violations in Iran. Participants were informed about the repression of Iranian trade unionists. The symbolic action ended with a minute’s silence as a tribute to imprisonned workers in Iran. (Email report by Frank Moreels)

Thailand (09h51 BST)

This morning ITF, ITUC, IUF and ICEM affilaites in Thailand joined together to organise a protest in front of the Iranian Embassy in Bangkok to show solidarity support to the Iranian workers and to protest against human and workers’ rights violations in Iran. The demonstrators, who were holding banners, posters and waving flags were met by a strong police presence outside the Embassy. Unlike previous protest activity, on this occasion, the Embassy refused to accept the unions’ joint protest letter. The unions will send the joint protest letter by fax and email to the Iranian Embassy in Bangkok and related authorities in Iran. (Email report by Su-angcana Tungworachet)

Nepal (10h31 BST)

Nepal Yatayat Mazdoor Sangh (NETWON) has this morning submitted a protest letter to the Nepalese Foreign Secretary in solidarity with Iranian workers. The Foreign Secretary committed to send the letter to the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran since there is no Iranian Embassy in Nepal. (Email report by Ajay Kumarrai)

Indonesia (06h51 BST)

A demonstration of 100 union representatives from ITF unions and other Global Union affiliates in Indonesia was held in front of the Iranian Embassy in Jakarta today. The event was covered by electronic media and press. (Email report by Sonny Pattiselanno)

Hong Kong (05h37 BST)

Trade unionists visited the Iranian Consulate and submitted their memorandum of protest today. (Email report by Chiu-wai Chan)

Australia (07h52 BST)

Around 100 union members and supporters from the Australian Workers’ Union, the Australian Services Union, the Australian Education Union, the CFMEU, the Maritime Union of Australia and the Rail Tram and Bus Union have protested outside the Embassy in Canberra today. The union members had wanted to hand a letter to the Ambassador from the Australian Council of Trade Unions outlining the anger of union members at the treatment of unionists in Iran, however the Iranian Ambassador refused to meet the union delegation. The letter has been sent by fax to the Ambassador instead. (Email report by Andrew Casey)

India - New Delhi (09h58 BST)

In a great show of solidarity, workers from ITF-affiliated unions in India have held demonstrations in New Delhi, Mumbai and Lucknow. In Delhi over 500 AIRF railway workers demonstrated at the Jantar Mantar, as police had issued prohibitory orders in the area surrounding the Iranian embassy. The demonstration was addressed by representatives of the AIRF, NRMU and ITF. A delegation was later escorted to the Iranian Embassy where they were met by the Counsellor in the Embassy who accepted the memorandum and promised to forward it to Tehran. There are also reports of a demonstration by the NRMU at Lucknow station in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. There is a sizeable Shia community in this city. (Email report by Sangam Tripathy)

India - Mumbai (08h28 BST)

The National Union of Seafarers of India, Maritime Union of India, Transport and Dock Workers Union, Aviation Industry Employees Guild and Western Railway Employees Union has had a very effective meeting with the Consulate General of the Iranian Consulate in Mumbai, who promised to look into the issue and has requested that the unions provide the names of those arrested and details of the prison in which they are being held. (Email report from Abdulgani Y. Serang)

Sweden (09h07 BST)

The President of TCO, the Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees, Sture Nordh has today sent a protest letter to the Iranian Ambassador in Stockholm demanding that the Iranian Government respect fundamental trade union rights and underlining the importance of releasing the imprisoned trade unionists. The letter also called for a halt to the ongoing repression of the Iranian people and for democratic development in Iran including respect for freedom of association for both workers and employers. (Email report by Lars Bengtsson)