In Support of Bus Drivers in Iran

Labor unrest has increased in the past week as bus drivers in Tehran have chosen to strike in order to demand the recognition of their trade union activities as well as the freedom of their union leader Mr. Mansour Ossanlu. Mr. Ossanlu who is the director of the Union of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs of Bus Company was arrested on December 22, 2005. Human Rights Watch reports that he is currently being held in cell #209 of the notorious Evin Prison, without access to family, legal counsel, or medical attention.

It is also reported that he is in need of urgent medical attention due to possible torture.

The bus drivers planned a strike on January 28, 2006 to protest the illegal detention of Mr. Ossanlu. When hearing about the possible strike, government officials cracked down by arresting and detaining hundreds of workers. Government forces also raided the home of another well known union member Mr. Yaghub Salimi and detained his wife and two children. According to Human Rights Watch Mr. Salimi has stated that both his wife and children were beaten at the hands of the security forces. The family members were released once Mr. Salimi presented himself to the police. Without regard to the crack down hundreds of bus drivers and their family members joined the protests on January 28th 2006 and were arrested.

It is estimated that about 500 bus drivers are currently detained in the Evin Prison. The bus drivers have planned another strike for Friday February 4th , 2006 to protest the brutal conditions they face under the Islamic Regime.

There has been great support by the international community for the Iranian workers. In his State of the Union Address, George Bush expressed support for the workers and their right to collective bargaining, including the right to strike. On February 2, 2006 a protest was organized in Canada in front of the Iranian Embassy in Ottawa in support of the Iranian workers. The protest was attended by Canadian Labor Congress Executive Vice President Barbara Byers as well as a number of Iranian opposition groups including a Marze Por Gohar member.

We condemn the extreme human rights violations being committed against the workers as well as their families. We stand in solidarity with our compatriots in Iran and support their right for freedom of speech and association, as well as the right to strike for better working conditions. We condemn the gross human rights violations committed by the Islamic Regime and demand the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Ossanlu as well as all other workers.

Down with the Islamic Republic

Long Live Iran

Compiled by Human Rights Council of the Marze Por Gohar Party.