ACTIVISTS are calling for international support for Iranian oil workers as they rally on Friday to mark their 12th week of industrial action in defence of workplace rights.

Around 1,000 members of the Union of Metalworkers and Mechanics of Iran have been on strike demanding the reinstatement of sacked workers’ representative Hojjat Rezaei, the implementation of previous agreements on annual leave and camp allowances, the fair implementation of a job classification scheme for all contract workers and changes to the commuting conditions and wages of rental drivers.

The workers are also demanding the implementation of a classification scheme for non-owner drivers and the proper operation of a 14:14-day work-rest shift pattern for administrative and support staff.

The British-based Committee for the Defence of Iranian People’s Rights (Codir) is appealing for international trade union solidarity to coincide with a general protest called for today in response to the government’s failure to keep promises made to workers at the Parsian refinery in Fars province.

In a statement, Codir said oil company managers, executives and government officials “have so far refused to heed the legitimate demands of the oil workers.

“These managers’ default responses are to bully, intimidate and disregard the workers, as this is all they know and have been taught.”

“Workers want the labour code and law to be properly upheld and enforced,” the committee added.