Autoworker unjustly detained in Iran

IRAN: The IMF is calling for the immediate release of Mr Parviz Salarvand, an autoworker at Iran Khodro, which is among the Middle East's largest auto manufacturers. Mr Salarvand has been unjust detained and has not been heard of for many weeks. Workers at the Iran Khodro plant have been protesting against deteriorating working conditions and are prevented by the government and management from forming their own labour organisation. Many of the workers are hired on a temporary contract basis and do not receive the benefits that permanent employees receive. After expressing sympathy for the demands of the temporary workers, Mr Salarvand was arrested by the company’s security department on April 12, 2005 and has not been heard of since. The company’s security department has confirmed that he has been detained, but refuses to provide any further information. The IMF has written to the President of Iran demanding the immediate release of Mr Salarvand and protesting the gross violations of fundamental human and worker rights at this plant. Iran Khodro, a government controlled company, is a partner in Renault Pars, a joint venture in which Renault holds a majority 51 percent ownership share. Through this joint venture partnership Iran Khodro began production of X90 vehicles last year. The company’s actions are in clear breach of ILO conventions, the OECD Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises and the international framework agreement signed last year by Renault, the Renault World Employee Committee and the IMF. On this basis, the IMF and its affiliates have also taken up the issue with Renault.May 12, 2005 – Anita Gardner