Iran Khodro workers demand an inflation-proof pay rise

In early October dozens of Iran Khodro workers gathered at a ceremony celebrating the promotion of 10,000 of their workmates. The management of the Middle East's largest vehicle manufacturer had tried to 'divide and rule' the workers by giving promotions to just 10,000 workers and had tried to prevent any ceremony from taking place. But the workers who did not get promotions wanted to congratulate their workmates, saying that they deserved them.

A statement published by a group of Iran Khodro workers on 11 October began with the following slogan: "We demand a pay rise based on today's inflation for all workers." Here we translate sections of this statement.

"…There were 10,000 happy because of their promotions and over 10,000 people unhappy because their wages didn't go up … Management tried to prevent us workers gathering together. Management is afraid of our unity. …

"Management knew that if 20,000 workers gathered together then the biggest workers' general assembly would take place. … We must go forward in a conscious and united way and not let our united ranks be divided. …

"We congratulate our workmates who have had promotion and we know that you know that your promotions are nothing unusual … but are your right that management has delayed with made-up rules. There are still many people who have been waiting for a promotion for many years. We want pay rises as well as promotions. We demand pay rises based on today's inflation for all workers. We know that this year's pay rise is nothing compared to inflation. So we're not going to be fooled …

"Holding a ceremony for presenting 10,000 promotions, which took place with the purpose of giving pay rises, is undoubtedly a big achievement for us workers. It was as a result of the 30 June strike.

"This victory was a step forward because it was the demand of most Iran Khodro workers. Most workers look to promotions and efficiency for a pay rise. This success is a step forward but is not enough. It shows that our struggle and strike was not futile … The managers now know that our main demands go beyond those of a [specific] 'job group' [in the factory] …"

The workers also demanded an end to temporary contracts and ended the statement with the following: "The victory of us workers depends on our unity and organisation. We congratulate our dear workmates on this victory."

Over the past five years the workers of Iran Khodro have had many struggles and protests. Their latest strike took place on 30 June. One of the demands during this strike was promotions.

Iranian Workers' Solidarity Network

For further news on the situation of the tyre workers see the special section.