ITF condemns latest Iran victimisation

4 July 2007

The ITF today responded to the arrest in Tehran yesterday of Ebrahim Madadi, Vice President of the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company, by promising further action to support endangered trade unionists in the country.

ITF General Secretary David Cockroft commented: “The ITF pledges its unstinting efforts to continue exposing and fighting the dictatorial tactics that the Iranian government continues to use to stifle the will of those who want nothing more than the widely recognised right to belong to a free trade union.”

The global union federation also sent the following message of support to the protest rally taking place this morning outside the Ministry of Justice in Tehran. It has asked the union’s leader, Mansour Osanloo, to read it out on the ITF’s behalf. (The ITF has helped lead the fight to defend Osanloo and his fellow trade unionists from arrest and repression. See www.itfglobal.org/press-area/index.cfm/pressdetail/1337/region/1/section/0/order/1)

“Dear Brother Mansour Osanloo,
Dear Brothers and sisters of the Vahed Syndicate,
Fellow unionists,

On behalf of the 5 million transport workers in 150 countries which the ITF represents, we send you our message of solidarity to your rally in front of the Ministry of Justice in Tehran today. We fully support your union's demand to release Brother Ebrahim Madadi unconditionally and immediately from his detention. We join your protest against this unjust arrest and the allegation of ‘public disorder’.  We firmly believe that every worker has the right to exercise his or her genuine trade union activities without any fear and intimidation.

Furthermore, the ITF and its members worldwide continue to support your demand for the recognition of your union by the government and the reinstatement of the 40 dismissed workers. We wish every success of your action today.

United we stand!

David Cockroft, ITF General Secretary
Mac Urata, ITF Section Secretary”

It is reported from Iran that another trade unionist, Sayad Reza Namatipour, may be facing arrest, after being seen with Ebrahim Madadi yesterday.

Further details on the struggles of the union can be seen at www.itfglobal.org/urban-transport/tehranbuses.cfm

ENDS

For more information contact ITF press officer, Sam Dawson.
Direct line: + 44 (0)20 7940 9260.
Email: dawson_sam@itf.org.uk

International Transport Workers' Federation - ITF:
HEAD OFFICE
ITF House, 49 - 60 Borough Road, London SE1 1DS
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7403 2733
Fax: + 44 (0) 20 7375 7871
Email: mail@itf.org.uk
Web: www.itfglobal.org

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