On the morning of August 25th, a group of HEPCO workers gathered in central Arak to protest against the company’s situation, stagnant production and their backpay.
They marched from Martyrs’ Square to Finance Square, and rallied in front of the offices of Islamic Consultative Assembly (the regime’s parliament) deputies for Arak, Komijan and Khondab. After the Managing Director promised that their remaining unpaid wages for the months of Farvardin (March-April) and Ordibehesht (April-May) will be paid, the workers left Arak’s Central Square and headed for the factory.
HEPCO (Heavy Equipment Production Company) in Arak city produces road construction equipment. Since privatisation in 2007 HEPCO workers have protested frequently and even shut down the North-South Railway for several days.
This latest protest by HEPCO workers shows that despite the regime’s recent clampdown on the workers’ movements; the worsening economic situation, privatisation, corruption, mismanagement and other problems facing workers, protests and struggles are still possible when workers are organised and united.
Shahrokh Zamani Action Campaign
28 August 2019
Source: ISNA.
Shahrokh Zamani Action Campaign 