Shabtabnews In this dark night, I have lost my way – Arise from a corner, oh you the star of guidance.
iranwire – Workers at a major gold mine in northwestern Iran entered a fourth day of strikes on Wednesday.
They are protesting discrimination and unequal treatment under management affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), according to a human rights organization.
Kurdish and local workers at the Zarshuran gold mine in Takab began striking on Sunday over what they describe as systematic favoritism, the removal of welfare benefits, and pay disparities between local and non-local employees.
The workers claim the issues stem from Ariana Company’s management of the mine, which is affiliated with the IRGC, the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights said.
The organization reported that workers have maintained a peaceful protest while demanding an end to discriminatory practices.
Local workers lost welfare services and employment benefits after the mine was transferred to Ariana Company last year, while non-local employees with IRGC connections receive higher salaries and greater benefits.
Zarshuran is described as one of the largest gold mines in the Middle East.
Workers have reportedly received threats of dismissal and permanent bans on employment if the strike continues, according to Hengaw.
The organization said the protests have continued despite freezing weather and intimidation from forces linked to the IRGC.
Mine officials and Iranian authorities have not publicly responded to the workers’ demands.
The Revolutionary Guards control significant portions of Iran’s economy, including mining operations, though the extent of their holdings is difficult to verify due to opacity in corporate structures.
