2005 events
March – June
At least 17 activists are dismissed from the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company, including Mansour Osanloo.
9 May, 13 May, 1 June
Members of the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company (Sherkat-e Vahed) are attacked by the Workers’ House, Labour Council, company’s guards and the security force. A number of members are injured. Mansour Osanloo, in particular, is severely injured in the attack that took place on 9 May and requires hospital treatment, after which he is taken into custody for questioning.
10 May
The ICFTU sends its first protest letter on behalf of the Tehran bus drivers.
3 June
The General Assembly adopts the union constitution and elects its leadership bodies despite the blockades of roads and violent interventions by the security force, the company and the Workers’ House. 8,000 of the 17,000 workers employed by the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company take part in the election.
29 July
The ICFTU sends its second protest letter to the Iranian government.
7 September
Seven leaders and members of the union are arrested. They are charged with public order offences after which they are released on bail. They were arrested during a protest against unpaid wages, during which bus drivers in Tehran left their lights on while driving passengers around the city.
9 September
The ICFTU sends its third protest letter to the Iranian government.
22 December
The agents of the Intelligence Ministry arrest 14 trade unionists including its President, Mansour Osanloo.
25 December
3,000 workers of Sherkat-e Vahed walk out of the job in protest. 17 more unionists are arrested.
26 December
The ICFTU sends its fourth protest letter to the Iranian government.
27 December
All detainees except Mansour Osanloo are released. Meanwhile, all the trade unionists' bank accounts are frozen and wage payments are blocked.
31 December
Dr Ghalibaf, the mayor of Tehran, promises the trade union members that he will do everything in his power to free Mansour Osanloo and to resolve the other problems.
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