The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), representing over 16 million transport workers in 150 countries, stands in unwavering solidarity with the courageous truck drivers of Iran who are striking against economic injustice and political repression.
These drivers – many of whom are self-employed and burdened with covering the costs of operating and maintaining their vehicles – have been pushed to the brink by rising insurance costs, deteriorating working conditions, and the threat of a drastic fuel price increase. These problems are coupled with poor road infrastructure, putting the lives of truck drivers, their families, and all road users at risk. Their strike is not only a fight for economic survival, but a powerful cry for fairness, safety, sustainability, dignity and fundamental rights.
The ITF supports the demands of Iranian truck drivers for affordable fuel, relief from insurance and toll fees, and fair, transparent and enforceable calculation of freight rates, safe working conditions, and a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.
These are the same principles at the heart of the ITF’s global Safe Rates campaign, which is built on the belief that all transport workers – regardless of employment status or geography – deserve to be protected by enforceable regulations that ensure fair pay, good jobs and safe roads. They are also enshrined in the ILO Guidelines on the promotion of decent work and road safety in the transport sector, adopted by with world’s governments, transport employers and trade union representatives in 2019.
This strike is taking place in the shadow of deep political repression. Iranian workers face immense risks for organising, including imprisonment and violence. The ITF condemns all forms of retaliation against the striking drivers and calls on the Iranian authorities to respect their fundamental rights to freedom of association, assembly, and expression.
Iranian truck drivers have stopped moving goods and are now moving the conscience of their nation. The ITF urges our affiliated unions, governments, and civil society around the world to amplify their voices and to join us in demanding dignity, safety and rights for all Iranian workers.
Photo credit: WikiMedia Commons
