Rising unemployment, labor strikes and protests throughout Iran

High prices and rising unemployment in the crisis-riddled Iranian economy have led to increasing labor protests and strikes. With the closure or bankruptcy of dozens of factories and major companies, the number of those without job has risen sharply.

The Oil Refinery of Abadan recently expelled 1,400 workers.

The Jahan-Chit textiles in Karaj, west of Tehran, is closing down due to the lack of raw materials; more than 2,000 workers will be expelled.

Kerman's Kermanit factory dismissed 66 workers last month.

For more than eight months, Iran Lumber Industries Co. in Tehran has not paid its 300 workers who cannot afford their transportation fee to work. Last week, the workers staged a protest gathering in front of the factory.

More than 50 workers of Isfahan's Aali Brick factory staged a sit-in in front of the Governor's office because they have not been paid for at least four months.

Workers of the Sarv Paint factory in Isfahan have been on strike since October 24.

Isfahan's Azar Factory has not paid the salaries of its 270 workers for at least four months due to shortage of cash, and the workers have threatened to go on strike starting Monday.

Some 300 workers of Abadan's municipality have been on strike since October 21.

Two weeks ago, Khatami's government announced that it was unable to pay its employees due to a sharp decline in government revenues. The Majlis approved government's request for 15,900 billion rials in loan from various sources.

Economic experts believe this will cause greater inflation. According to Majlis deputies, the budget deficit will rise to 50% next year.

Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran
November 1, 1998

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