www.newsandletters.org
|
|
NEWS & LETTERS, November-December 2005New workers struggles in Iran pose vital questions for freedom movementsIn Iran workers strikes are occurring under the nose of one of the most brutal regimes in the world. They are organizing against unpaid wages, unhealthy working conditions, and cuts in social benefits. In some cities of Kurdistan workers have opposed the regime’s army and the national guards. There has been a growth in the number of independent labor unions which function in an environment as dangerous as that facing workers in Columbia, Burma, China, or Zimbabwe. The struggle of the Tehran Transit Bus Drivers Association is especially important. Several months ago, Tehran’s bus drivers demanded a wage increase and social benefits. In response, they were attacked by a government sponsored group, the "worker’s house," which had the support of the police. The union leaders were arrested and were not only sent to jail but also lost their jobs. After this incident the bus drivers increased their activities. On Oct. 16, they demanded the release of the drivers and the prosecution of those who attacked them. Government officials refused to accept these demands. So on Oct. 25 the workers decided to continue their struggle by not charging passengers any fees for riding the buses. This had a major political impact. The drivers forced the government to accept their union and listen to their demands. Most of the arrested drivers were released and are back at work. During just the last three months over 2,000 workers' strikes, demonstrations, and picket lines have occurred in Iran. About 80% are over unpaid or delayed wages. Most private companies are unable to generate any income and workers are the ones made to suffer. Iran, like many other underdeveloped countries, is suffering from capital restructuring and privatization. The corrupt government, with help of the IMF and the World Bank, has created much misery for working people. Over the past five years 3,000 small or mid-size workshops have closed. Although the government promotes capital investment, most private companies are closing because they are unable to compete on the world market. The drive for greater privatization (70% of industrial workplaces are run by the government) has brought only unemployment to the workers. This is happening while the main source of Iran’s income remains oil. Most of the oil income is wasted or used by officials of the regime and its dependent allies for private use or to spread Islamic fundamentalism abroad. Corruption and the lack of security for investors has led to growing unemployment and misery for poor people while also making a section of the bourgeoisie unhappy. In response, some of the bourgeoisie have joined the opposition while arguing for more privatization of capital. There are also calls for a secular republic among part of the opposition. This shows how important it is for workers to have an independent movement and a vision of their future advancement. An independent workers union is just the first step. Workers in Iran know that they are not going to overcome the bourgeoisie if they keep the same system. As the strikes by the bus drivers show, the workers need to not only oppose the Islamic regime but also must organize themselves with new vision that directs the opposition beyond capitalism. --Ali Reza |
|
Home l News & Letters Newspaper l Back issues l News and Letters Committees l Dialogues l Raya Dunayevskaya l Contact us l Search Published by News and Letters Committees |
