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rferl.org – Pensioners and retired government employees have again taken to the streets in several cities across Iran shouting anti-government slogans and demanding a full 38 percent increase in their pensions, which was promised by the Supreme Labor Council.
The recent wave of protests by pensioners and retirees comes after
the government announced on June 6 that it would increase the monthly
incomes of non-minimum-wage retirees by 10 percent, far below a previous
pledge to raise them by 38 percent plus 5.15 million Iranian rials
($16).
On July 20, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf sent a letter to
President Ebrahim Raisi noting that the 10 percent increase was against
the law, and that the full hike should be granted in accordance with a
decision by the Supreme Labor Council.
Videos posted on social media showed retirees gathering in at least four
southern cities, Ahvaz, Shushtar, Behbahan, and Shush, chanting slogans
against Raisi’s government.
According to the law, after receiving the official letter from
parliament, the government has one week to amend the resolution on wages
or it will be canceled completely.
Pensioners and associated groups blame the government for spiraling
inflation, high unemployment, and failing to deliver on pledges to
significantly increase wages and improve living conditions.
Labor protests in Iran have been on the rise in response to declining
living standards, wage arrears, and a lack of insurance support. The
labor law in Iran does not recognize the right of workers to form
independent unions.
The government has cracked down on the protesters, arresting many.
