The AFL-CIO Solidarity Center joins the global labor movement in calling for the release of more than 500 Iranian bus drivers, who are still in prison after police cracked down on a planned Jan. 28 strike. The drivers are being held in Tehran’s Evin Prison. They have not been charged and have no access to counsel.
 
On Jan. 28, 2006, the Syndicate of Workers of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company (Sherkat-e Vahed) called the strike to protest the detention of union President Mansoor Osanloo and to demand the government recognize their right to a union and to a collective bargaining agreement. In response, the government and public transportation company dispatched thousands of security and armed forces using tear gas, batons and threats to shoot the strikers. Hundreds have been arrested at their homes, including some spouses and children.
 
“Iranian workers must be free to exercise their fundamental worker rights to join a union and to engage in collective bargaining as protected by international covenants,’ says Solidarity Center Executive Director Barbara Shailor. “The Solidarity Center joins the global labor movement in demanding that the Iranian government respect these rights and immediately release the detained union members.”

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