International day of protest for the release of Mansour Osanloo and all Iranian trade unionists

On 6 March there were protests in defence of jailed Iranian trade unionists and labour activists outside Iranian embassies and diplomatic missions in around 40 countries. In an international day of action called by the International Transport Federation (ITF), the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and Amnesty International, but joined and supported by many Iranian labour activists and oppositionists as well as socialists from various countries, the Iranian regime was reminded that the international labour movement is keeping a close watch on its activities against the burgeoning trade union movement. Activists of the 'Iranian Workers are not alone' campaign also took part in these protests in a number of countries.

Pickets and other forms of protest were held across the world, beginning with Australia (video), New Zealand, Canada, Ukraine and Scotland. Later during the day there were protests in Indonesia, Hong Kong, Japan, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Belgium, Switzerland, India, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Romania, Russia, Germany, Denmark, Tunisia, Jordan, Morocco, Yemen, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, Thailand, England, the Netherlands, Austria, Spain, Finland, Iran, Palestine, Iraq, Korea, Norway, Portugal, Estonia and France (view photos on the ITF's Flickr account).

Although the emphasis of this day of action was mainly on the release of Mansour Osanloo, the leader of the Vahed bus drivers in Tehran, the plight of the whole Iranian labour movement and activists was also publicised, including Mansour Salehi, the Saghez Bakers' leader.

In London over 110 British trade unionists and Iranian opposition activists took part in this international day of action. A number of British trade union leaders, including Martin Mayer of the TGWU and Stuart Howard, Assistant General Secretary of the ITF, were present to lend their support to this picket (video). A Colombian trade union leader present also spoke in defence of Osanloo and Iranian labour activists.

This year the Iranian working class has been the target of even more attacks that are calculated to sap its morale. In particular, the flogging of three workers for the 'crime' of taking part in May Day celebrations can have a negative effect on Iranian workers' struggles if it is not condemned by the international labour movement. Solidarity action like that of 6 March can help Iranian workers change the balance of forces in their favour and to win their basic trade union rights - including the right to form independent unions, elect their own representatives and to withdraw their labour.

'Iranian Workers are not alone' campaign
Iranian Workers' Solidarity Network
17 March 2008