On Sunday, January 5, 2025, widespread protests erupted across multiple cities in Iran, as retirees, steelworkers, and contract workers voiced their grievances over economic hardship, inflation, and unfulfilled promises by the government. Below is a detailed report on the protests:
In Kermanshah, Kermanshah Province (western Iran), retirees from national, social security, telecommunications, and other sectors gathered in front of the Provincial Department of Labor and Welfare. They chanted slogans such as, “No to war, no to killing, we want lasting peace,” and “Costs are in dollars, our wages are in rials.” Protesters concluded with a resolution, pledging to continue demonstrations if their demands remained unmet.
In Isfahan, Isfahan Province (central Iran), steel and mining retirees held protests on Neshat Street, highlighting negligence by their pension funds. The crowd, emphasizing their dissatisfaction, chanted, “Only in the streets will we get our rights.” Protesters demanded urgent government action to address their financial struggles.
In Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province (southwestern Iran), multiple protests took place. Steelworkers from Khuzestan demonstrated in front of the governorate and marched to the provincial administration building. Contract workers from the southern oilfields also staged a protest demanding better working conditions and wages. Additionally, workers, retirees, and housing applicants held a separate gathering, voicing concerns over rising living costs and unmet promises. Separately, workers of the Iran Ofogh Company at the Yadavaran oilfield continued their protests over delayed wages and poor labor conditions.
In Shush, Khuzestan Province (southwestern Iran), retirees from the Social Security Organization protested in front of the organization’s provincial headquarters. Chanting slogans such as, “The result of government work: robbing the people’s pockets,” and “Where is the control of inflation? You’re lying to the people,” they expressed frustration over inadequate pensions and increasing economic pressures.
In Bushehr, Bushehr Province (southern Iran), retired educators gathered outside the governorate office, protesting delayed payments and demanding attention to their pension issues. Their chants underscored frustration over economic neglect, echoing sentiments expressed across the country.
These protests come amid mounting economic pressures and widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of inflation, pensions, and labor rights. Activists and workers’ advocates emphasized that these demonstrations reflect the growing frustration among retirees and workers across Iran, who have increasingly taken to the streets in recent years to demand change.
Source: National Council of Resistance of Iran