International

ASU calls for release of Iranian public transport workers from prison

Over 1000 trade unionists have been imprisoned in Iran for supporting their organisation. The ASU, along with the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and other unions around the world, is protesting the actions of the Iranian Government against its own citizens, and encouraging ASU members to show solidarity.

The ASU is an affiliate of the ITF and as such is very keen to participate in collective action for the Iranian bus workers with other affiliates across the globe. The ASU has sent letters to the President of Iran protesting the actions taken by that Government against the workers.

ASU Assistant National Secretary, Greg McLean, said, "Whilst it might seem like a small gesture to send a protest letter off, it does show the Iranian Government that the world is watching them. The simple aim is to make sure the Union is allowed to continue its legitimate activities of representing its membership."

The arrests of the bus workers followed strikes relating to the detention in December of the union's leader, Mansour Osanloo. The Iranian union has faced nearly a year of arrests and violence at the hands of the security forces.

A chronology of events can be found at: http://www.itfglobal.org/urban-transport/tehranbuses.cfm

Send a protest letter to the Iranian President here: http://www.labourstart.org/cgi-bin/solidarityforever/show_campaign.cgi?c=68

Copies of the ASU protest letter can be downloaded below.

Late update Feb 14

Of the approximately 1300 unionists imprisoned since the beginning of this dispute, some 70-80 remain in Evin Prison as of February 12, according to the ITF. "None of the union's Executive Board members are freed. The company continues to refuse reinstating those who were arrested."

According to the ACTU, Australian workers will also protest outside the Iranian Embassy in Canberra tomorrow (Wednesday 15 February 2006).

Update March 21 from the ICFTU

Dear Colleagues,

We have the pleasure to inform you that, on 18 and 19 March, most of the detained unionists from the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company (Sherkat e Vahed) were released. Those remaining in jail are Mansoor Osanloo, the union President and Afshin Bahrami, a worker from the automotive industry, who was arrested for his support of the Vahed workers. However, Osanloo's wife was allowed to visit him last Saturday, 18 March.

Their releases coincide with the Iranian New Year, celebrated on 20 March 2006. A number of prominent detained dissidents have also been released on that occasion. We thank all affiliates and GUFs for their strong support in ensuring these releases and we call on you to help maintain pressure on the Iranian government to release our colleagues Mansoor Osanloo and Afshin Bahrami.

Finally, according to a report just in, Mansour Hayat Ghaibi, member of the union's Executive Committee, has reportedly been re-arrested this Monday, 20 March 2006, less than 24 hours after he had been released from prison. According to this - hitherto unconfirmed - report, Ghaibi was re-arrested on the order of Teheran Public Prosecutor Saed Mortazavi, said to be behind the arrest of Mansour Osanloo. We will keep you informed of developments.

With best regards,

ICFTU Department of Trade Union Rights

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