Title: Mazandaran Focus: Parliamentary Push for Retiree Support and Social Welfare
In a significant political development, addressing the welfare of retirees and workers has been declared a fundamental priority for the Iranian Parliament. This commitment was underscored during high-level meetings in Mazandaran province, bringing together labor unions, retiree associations, and parliamentary representatives to formulate a cohesive support strategy.
Parliamentary Priority: Livelihoods and Healthcare
A key meeting in Mazandaran, attended by labor organizations, retirees, officials from the Social Security Organization, and local parliamentary representatives, solidified the political will to address pressing social issues. The attending MP emphasized that in the current challenging conditions, the livelihood and medical care of workers and retirees are among the parliament’s essential priorities, signaling a top-down focus on social welfare.
Strengthening Institutional Support
Highlighting the importance of organized labor representation, discussions pointed to the role of institutions like the Workers’ House in western Mazandaran. These bodies were described as vital conduits, acting as a voice for workers and retirees and a liaison with the government and parliament. Furthermore, strong support was expressed for the management of the Social Security Organization, coupled with calls for the precise execution of laws and the settlement of government debts to the organization to ensure enhanced services for beneficiaries.
Dialogue and Scrutiny for Better Outcomes
The meetings also served as a platform for constructive dialogue and scrutiny. While acknowledging existing challenges, including the gap between wages and inflation, participants from labor groups called for increased support from both the government and parliament. The discussions focused on practical solutions, such as increasing pensions, providing food commodity vouchers, and the crucial settlement of government obligations to the Social Security fund to ensure its stability and capacity to serve.
Upholding Legal Commitments to Retirees
A central theme of the discourse was the unwavering commitment to the legal rights of Social Security retirees. These individuals, having contributed to the fund through regular premium payments over decades, are calling for the full implementation of existing laws. Their expectations, as outlined in their statements, include:
- Adherence to Legal Frameworks: The complete execution of commitments enshrined in the Social Security Law.
- Pension Adjustments: Regular increases to pensions in line with inflation rates to maintain purchasing power.
- Healthcare Access: Guaranteed access to quality healthcare services.
- Transparent Management: The transparent management of the Social Security fund’s resources, respecting the rights of its main contributors.
This consolidated push from Mazandaran reflects a broader political consensus on reinforcing the social safety net and ensuring that the rights of retirees and workers are protected and advanced through legislative and executive action.