June 26 - Global Union Action Day for Iranian Workers

Posted to the IUF website 25-May-2009

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The IUF, International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), Education International (EI) and the ITUC have jointly called for a worldwide day of action on June 26 to highlight the ongoing denial of rights and arrests of trade unionists in Iran. The joint call for action is the latest move in an ongoing campaign for trade union rights inside Iran. Amnesty International has backed this campaign.

The union internationals are calling for the immediate and unconditional release of jailed trade union members and leaders including Mansour Osanloo, Ebrahim Madadi, Farzad Kamangar, the annulment of the one year prison sentences recently handed down against the five leaders of the Haft Tapeh Sugarworkers' Union and the release of trade unionists arrested in Tehran on May Day.

The unions are also calling for the unconditional recognition of all independent workers' organizations in Iran and reinstatement of workers who have been victimized as a result of their support for these organizations; government ratification of core ILO Conventions on freedom of association and the right to collectively bargain and the conclusion of collective bargaining agreements between the independent unions and employers.

Planned activities range from demonstrations at Iranian government representations abroad and workplace and public transport actions to educational work with NGOs and human rights organizations. A campaign website is under development and education/campaign materials will be available.