Iran’s labor protests grow as workers, retirees demand economic action

Labor and livelihood protests swept Iran on Sunday, as nurses, emergency personnel, retirees, and public transportation drivers highlighted dissatisfaction with the government’s economic and social policies.

In Yasuj, southwestern Iran, a group of nurses and healthcare staff gathered to demand improved working conditions and wages.

Simultaneously, emergency personnel in Shiraz protested outside the Fars provincial governor’s office. Their demands, outlined by the Coordination Council of Nurses’ Protests, included inflation-adjusted salaries, special allowances, recognition of hazardous job conditions, and job security.

Healthcare workers, critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, have repeatedly protested in recent years over broken promises, amid persistent 40% inflation and stagnant salaries since 2019.

On Saturday, nurses at Loghman Hospital in Tehran voiced frustrations over unpaid wages and overtime, echoing broader discontent that saw work stoppages in over 70 hospitals across 50 cities earlier this year.

Retirees and workers raise economic concerns

In Tehran, oil industry retirees protested outside the National Iranian Oil Company, chanting, "The retiree's refrigerator, emptier than ever," and decrying their financial hardships. A former minister, Ali Rabiei joined the workers in solidarity.

Social Security retirees held demonstrations in the southern cities of Ahvaz and Shush, with slogans such as "Enough with warmongering, our tables are empty," and "Forget the headscarf, tackle inflation."

The steel industry retirees in Isfahan joined the wave of protests, gathering in front of the Steel Retirement Fund building to criticize deteriorating living standards.

A separate protest by retired educators took place on Saturday in front of the Presidential Office in Tehran. Holding 100,000 rial notes, criticizing the government’s failure to implement salary equalization laws. The banknote that would have been worth around $1,500 before the 1979 revolution is now worth just 15 cents.

Public transport drivers demand resolution

In Zahedan, Sistan-Baluchestan Province, public transportation drivers protested the month-long deactivation of their fuel cards. Despite assurances from provincial officials to resolve the issue, drivers claim no action has been taken. Their demands highlight the government’s inability to address even basic logistical challenges affecting livelihoods.

These protests reflect a broader crisis as citizens face increasing economic pressures amidst rising inflation, wage stagnation, and government inaction. Retirees, in particular, have held repeated protests over years, lamenting the worsening value of pensions and unfulfilled promises.

The consistent surge in demonstrations underscores mounting dissatisfaction with Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration, as workers and retirees across sectors demand the government address their grievances.