An analytical report on Iran’s labor unrest reveals over 659 protests across 82 cities in 2024. Economic challenges—soaring inflation, unpaid wages, and poor working conditions—have spurred widespread demonstrations among workers and pensioners. While a temporary easing in state repression was observed during the Iranian New Year, labor activists remain at high risk. The report also examines the potential impact of political shifts following President Raisi’s death in May 2024. Based on extensive research that includes interviews with local labor activists and verified media sources, the analysis offers actionable insights and recommendations for policy makers and civil society organizations working to support Iran’s labor movement.

Key takeaways from labour protests and monitoring

• Pensioners united andwere one of the most vocal groups, frequently staging protests in front ofgovernment buildings and often calling for the government to step down.
• After pensioners,nurses and permanent and contract workers in the oil, gas, and petrochemicalsectors held the most protests.
• Compared to the firsthalf of 2023, there were more protests in the first half of 2024 (406 versus659)
• Labor activistssometimes faced dismissals, salary denials, arrests, and prosecutions simplyfor advocating for labor rights.
• There were several(proposed) changes in governmental policies impacting labor rights, both
  in favor and at the detriment of workers.
• While some protestssucceeded in forcing the government and employers to reconsider their
  actions in specific areas, the majority failed.
• Despite Iran joiningthe ILO Convention 155, workplace accidents are still on the rise. In the sixmonths covered by this report, over 125 workers died due to workplaceaccidents.
• Even registered,quasi-governmental unions were repressed by the government in the period
  under study.
• Iranian workers gainednext to nothing following their protests.