Iranian autoworker released

International solidarity support leads to release of Mr Parviz Salarwand say his fellow workers, who continue their campaign for recognition of their rights and for improved working conditions at the Iran Khodro auto plant.

IRAN: According to a statement by “A Group of Workers of Iran Khodro”, Mr Parviz Salarwand, an Iran Khodro assembly line worker who was unjustly detained on April 12, was released last week. The International Alliance in Support of Workers in Iran reports that the workers' statement emphasizes that Mr Salarvand's release resulted from the international campaign seeking his freedom. (See previous news story on the IMF website for more details.) While the workers celebrate Mr Salarvand’s freedom, the poor working conditions and the company’s repressive measures against the workers at the Iran Khodro auto plant continue. In response, workers are engaged in a variety of protests including letter writing, strikes and other collective actions. The workers’ immediate demands call on the company to:

Recognise all internationally recognized labour conventions and protocols;
Eliminate the policy of temporary contracts;
Adopt internationally accepted levels and practice of health and safety in the workplace;
Observe regulations pertaining to weekly working hours;
Reward equal work with equal pay;
Cease pressuring labour leaders and violating workers’ rights;
Provide safety and job security to labour activists; and
Recognise the workers’ right to form their own free and independent organisations.

The workers are also calling for international organisations to monitor the company’s activities on an ongoing basis and seek the support of the international labour movement and metalworker unions around the world in their struggle. You can send protest letters to the Iranian government and Iran Khodro directly at the following addresses:
Mr. Mohammad Khatami
President
Address: Palestine Avenue, Azerbaijan Intersection
Tehran
Islamic Republic of Iran
Fax: 98-21-648.06.65
Email: khatami@president.ir

Iran Khodro Industrial Group
Address: Gate No.1, km 14 Karaj Rd, Tehran, Iran
P.O.Box: 11365-1313
Tel: (++98 21) 48901
Fax: (++98 21) 4907202-3
Email: irankhodro@ikco.comJun 02, 2005 – Anita Gardner