May First is a global solidarity day for the working class. On this day, the workers express their protest against poverty,
inequality, against the hardships imposed by the capitalist system and against any kind of dictatorship, oppression and denial
of civil and social liberties across the world. It is a day that calls for the workers’ international unity and solidarity.
But in Iran, as in previous years, we are going to celebrate this day under such a condition where the Iranian workers under
the tyrannical and religious rule of the Islamic regime are still denied their democratic rights, the right to protest, rally,
strike and the right to ceremonies or form their own trade unions and many workers are imprisoned, tortured or are on the death
row on charge of trade union activity. A number of the organizers of the last year’s May First ceremonies are still in prison.
Despite all these oppressions and obstacles, a number of independent labour unions have decided this year to celebrate
May First in different parts of Iran and to voice their protest against inequality, poverty and exploitation simultaneously
with other workers around the world. Without doubt, this action by the workers will face an oppressive reaction from the
Regime’s security forces and will inflict some damages on the workers. Thus, we ask all the workers, leftist forces and
progressive freedom-loving people to announce their solidarity with the Iranian workers in any possible way and support them
so that the Iranian regime under the pressure of the world’s public opinion will recognize the labour rights and respect the
individual and social liberties of the Iranian people. Only then the Iranian workers can defend their own rights through
rallies, protests, strikes and by having their own independent trade unions.
We ask you to announce your solidarity by contacting your own country’s diplomatic centers as well as
contacting the Iranian embassies and ask them to:
- Immediately free all the political prisoners, including all the activists of the women’s, workers’ and students’ movements,
especially Mansour Osanloo, the President of the Vahed Syndicate (Tehran Bus Workers’ Union ) who needs urgent medical care,
along with other leaders of Haft Tapeh Sugar Cane Factory Syndicate.
- Urge the regime to insure the freedom of speech, press and assemblies.
- Respect the freedom of union and political activities.
Wishing you a happy and successful Worker's Day
Communist Party of Iran – Finland Unit
May First 2010
