On February 3, 2025, Iran witnessed widespread protests led by telecommunications retirees and industrial workers in Tabriz, expressing deep grievances over economic hardships and governmental inaction. The retirees protested issues related to unpaid benefits and pension rights, while industrial workers demanded better wages and working conditions. These demonstrations reflect increasing public frustration with Iran’s economic mismanagement and corruption, showcasing a growing movement among marginalized groups seeking change.
On February 3, 2025, across numerous provinces in Iran, retirees from the telecommunications sector organized widespread protests. Concurrently, industrial workers in Tabriz initiated a strike, highlighting the escalating dissatisfaction rooted in economic hardships and government inaction. The protests occurred in at least 14 cities, including Tehran, Tabriz, and Shiraz, reflecting deep-seated grievances amid Iran’s socio-economic crisis.
The demonstrations led by telecom retirees were ignited by issues surrounding unpaid benefits, pension rights, and the privatization of the telecommunications industry. In efforts to reclaim their rightful entitlements, retirees congregated outside telecom offices and government buildings, bearing banners that conveyed their frustration with slogans such as:
“Telecom Company, fulfill your promises!”
“No compromise, no surrender—implement the regulations!”
“Where is my right? Thirteen years have passed!”
“We will keep coming every Monday until we get our rights!”
In Tehran, protesters voiced strong opinions, declaring, “Our enemy is right here, they lie when they say it’s America!”—a direct challenge to the regime’s narrative blaming external forces for domestic economic struggles. Demonstrators specifically accused regime-associated financial institutions, such as Setad Ejraei Farman Imam and Bonyad Taavon Sepah, of contributing to their economic strife.
Among the major demands from the protesters is the execution of Article 89 Pension Regulation, which calls for enhanced benefits and pension adjustments. Many protestors accuse telecom management of neglecting their payment obligations amid rising financial burdens.
In Tabriz, workers from Charkheshgar Company, which specializes in industrial machinery manufacturing, engaged in a strike prompted by low wages and worsening working conditions. The industrial sector in Iran suffers from economic mismanagement and inflation, compelling workers to fight for better compensation that corresponds with the escalating cost of living.
The demonstrations underscore a significant financial crisis in Iran, aggravated by rampant corruption and inflation. Such economic turmoil has intensified public discontent with the government, as evident in the organized protests across various sectors.
Authorities have largely disregarded the retirees’ pleas, despite persistent promises for reforming pensions. Nevertheless, protesters remain resolute, vowing to sustain their weekly rallies. This persistence indicates a strengthening movement among pensioners, workers, and other marginalized groups in their collective opposition to the regime’s economic policies and governance failures.
The ongoing protests highlight serious socio-economic challenges in Iran, primarily stemming from issues related to unpaid benefits, pension rights, and the privatization of key sectors such as telecommunications. Retirees and workers are increasingly vocalizing their frustrations, reflecting a widespread sentiment of betrayal by the government, which has failed to address their financial grievances. The economic landscape in Iran is further complicated by high inflation rates, mismanagement, and deep-rooted corruption within governmental institutions. This situation has mobilized various demographic groups, particularly pensioners and laborers, who are demanding systemic change and the fulfillment of their rights as citizens. The Article 89 Pension Regulation, which promises better pensions and benefits, has become a focal point for many protests. The government’s inability to implement these reforms has raised long-standing frustrations, uniting diverse groups in their struggle against economic hardships and governance failures.
In conclusion, the protests by telecom retirees and the strikes by industrial workers represent significant dissent against systemic economic problems in Iran. The organized demonstrations reveal a united front among different groups voicing their demand for governmental accountability, timely payment of benefits, and proper wage adjustments in line with inflation. As economic pressures escalate, the continual mobilization of pensioners and workers indicates a rising tide of opposition against the ruling regime’s policies, emphasizing the urgent need for reform.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
