On 16th December 2018, striking steelworkers of the National Steel Group of Ahvaz in Khuzestan province, Iran, together with their families and members of the public marched through the city on the 37th day of the strike.
The workers and members of the public faced the heavy presence of special armed forces when they tried to hold another protest in front of Mr Jazayeri’s office, the representative of Ali Khamenei in the province. The protesters chanted: “Long live workers, down with oppressors!” and “Our enemy is right here, it’s a lie that it’s in the USA.”
Abdollah Darvishi, one of the striking workers, gave a speech in which he objected to the presence of the special armed forces. “We are not Daesh (ISIS), we are not terrorists, we are not dependent on anyone, we don’t have an armed branch, and you’ve formed your lines against us. You’re from us and we are from you. The billionaires who have gone to Canada and Australia to enjoy their time in casinos, they are the ones responsible for the misery of the people of Iran. You’ve come to the wrong address!”
Tareq Khaleghi, another steelworker issued an ultimatum in his speech at the protest: “If by the end of this week something is not done about the situation of the National Steel Group of Ahvaz, you’ll see more than 1500 steelworkers in Tehran!” The protesters welcomed his speech with cheering and chants. Tareq added: “Keep your fists up! This unity of steelworkers of Ahvaz will not be broken by any conspiracy or plot.” The workers hold weekly public assemblies to make decisions collectively and to ensure that everyone is heard and all participate in the decision-making.
The striking steelworkers of Ahvaz, with their determination and resilience, are representing the demands of the majority to end poverty, discrimination and corruption; they have received massive support from within Iran and internationally.
#WPIranNews #FightForLife #SteelWorkers #WorkersAndThePeople
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