|
July 20, 2005 Kashan textile workers have been on strike for more than a month demanding their unpaid wages, according to reports from the Worker-communist Party of Iran. The workers have not been paid for 14 months. Workers started a protest march towards Tehran on July 19. People joined the march on the way so that the initial group of 200 has now increased to some 600. Workers had reached Kashan Abolfazl Mosque District by July 20, 35 kilometers away from Kashan. Some workers' health situation deteriorated and three of them fainted due to extremely hot weather. Workers are in immediate need of water, food, healthcare, and other supplements such as tents and umbrellas. So far, different groups of people have supported workers and supplied them with food, water and money. Governor of Kashan who tried to stop workers by giving them empty promises has announced that "if the workers do not stop, we will use force". The families of protesting workers have decided to gather in protest against the governor's threats and in support of the workers in front of Governorship. The employer's reaction to workers' protest march was offering immediate pay of 400.000 Toumans, whereas workers' individual claims are 2.400.000 Toumans. Workers are decisive to continue their march until they acquire their demands. |