Trade unions internationally are calling for a global day of action on 26 June to highlight the situation of detained union leaders, political activists and journalists in Iran, to demand their release and to highlight human rights abuses against the people of Iran.

The ACTU is calling on affiliates to join ITUC, ITF, IUF, EI and other unionists around the world and in Australia to add our voices in support and show solidarity with Iranian workers to demand the release of trade unionists who have been imprisoned due to their activities in support of workers’ rights in recent years. 

Among those in jail is bus workers’ union leader Mansour Osanloo, who was beaten and detained by security forces on 10 July 2007, less than 3 weeks after he addressed an ITUC General Council meeting in Brussels. 

The ACTU urges all affiliates and supporters of democratic rights to join other unionists around the world. Your voices are needed.  Please encourage your members to take part and add your voice in solidarity.

Kim Sattler, Secretary of UnionsACT will present a protest letter on behalf of ACTU to the Iranian Ambassador.

Australia
In Australia, unions and community organisations will rally outside the Iranian embassy in Canberra at midday on June 26. The MUA and CFMEU are organising buses from Sydney to Canberra on the 26th (see attached flyer) from their offices:

7.00 a.m. – Bus departing from MUA’s Office, 365 – 375 Sussex Street
8.00 am – Bus departing from CFMEU’s office, Railway Parade, Lidcombe

For more information or to book your spot on the bus please contact 02.9264.5024, e-mail: muasyd@mua.org.au

International
Rallies at Iranian diplomatic missions in:

  • Belgium
  • France
  • Netherlands
  • India: the All India Railwaymen’s Federation will organise rallies, marches, and demonstrations;
  • Indonesia: unions will rally in Jakarta and conduct a prayer meeting in the port of Tanjung Priok;
  • Japan: unions will hold a mass meeting on 24 June to adopt a motion in support of the campaign.
  • Wellington, New Zealand: unions plan to bring “a brass band, lots of signs, drums and a street play depicting locked-up Iranian trade unionists” to the Embassy;
  • Nigeria, a rally will be held at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos;
  • Thailand: trade unionists will demonstrate at the Iranian Embassy as well as visiting the ILO (International Labour Organization) office to raise the issue of the violation of workers’ rights in Iran
  • London: United Kingdom, a demonstration will be held at the Iranian Embassy

    • More information
    www.justiceforiranianworkers.org 
    Iran Day of Action Will Be Organised As Repression Continues

    Images from protest