|
Canadian union of postal workers condemns violent attacks of the Iranian security forces directed at Asia textile workers in kerman city
BY E-MAIL: dr-ahmadinejad@president.ir File: 1305-A-700 President Mahmood Ahmedinejad Islamic Republic of Iran Palestine Avenue Azerbaijan Intersection Teheran, IRAN Dear President Ahmedinejad: On behalf of the 55, 000 members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, I wish to condemn the recent violent attacks and arrests directed at textile workers in the province of Kerman. It has become widely known that the workers of the Asia Wool Spinning Company were protesting the non-payment of wages and benefits. Subsequently, the mostly female protestors were violently attacked by security forces. In one case, a pregnant woman was dragged on the road and kicked in the back. This protest only occurred after several attempts to bring this to the attention of the authorities met failure. These workers have not been paid for fourteen months! What else are they to do? The withholding of wages can have disastrous consequences for families and communities, especially if families are living below the poverty line on a meagre salary. Withholding of pay should be considered a grave criminal offence. It is little more than theft and stealing from working people. Unfortunately, this practice has become common. The factory owners simply refuse to pay their workers on time. We know that the Islamic Republic of Iran, insulted by the threats, slander and wrath of the imperialist Bush and his team of despots, deserves peace and not the incessant harassment of Washington. At the same time, we are at a loss to understand why Iran does not recognize injustices against workers and uphold basic principles of organizing and labour rights while holding the employers accountable for their crimes. We call on you to ensure that workers be granted the universally accepted right to organize and not face jail, have recourse to obtain lost wages plus punitive damages, and that the harassment against the workers at the Asia Wool Spinning Company are treated with the respect they have earned and deserve. Sincerely, National President cope 225 c.c: National Executive Committee, National Union Representatives,
Specialists |