Final Phase Reached for Government Workforce Restructuring Plan: Key Decisions Announced
A significant step has been taken in the long-anticipated plan to reorganize Iran’s government employees, with parliamentary committees now focusing on finalizing the legal framework for its implementation. The plan, a key administrative reform, aims to formally integrate a large segment of contract and corporate-hired personnel into the state’s direct employment structure.
Parliamentary Review and Proposed Solutions
In a recent session, the Iranian Parliament’s Social Commission, alongside the legal deputy of the Administrative and Employment Organization, reviewed the final stages of the “Government Workforce Restructuring Plan.” The primary objective was to identify and propose solutions for the remaining executive and legal hurdles.
A central topic was the immediate and precise implementation of the plan’s core component: the “Organization of Corporate Forces.” This involves converting the employment status of individuals currently working through third-party companies to direct contracts with government agencies.
Addressing the Core Challenges
The plan’s rollout has previously faced delays due to several key factors identified by a special governmental committee. These challenges include:
- Financial Burden: Concerns about the additional financial load on the state budget.
- Contract Caps: Existing legal limits on the number of direct employment contracts each government body can issue.
- Streamlining Goals: Ensuring the plan aligns with broader state policies aimed at increasing administrative efficiency.
During the session, legal experts proposed solutions such as amending existing laws or adding supplementary clauses to current legislation to overcome these obstacles.
Focus on Contract Workers
A pivotal aspect of the restructuring is the reclassification of “corporate forces.” Under the proposed framework:
- Personnel with a high school diploma or higher will be eligible for “Mu’ayyan” (determinate) work contracts directly with government agencies.
- Those with qualifications below a diploma will fall under labor contracts.
This move is designed to eliminate intermediary contractors, enhance job security, and standardize employment conditions for thousands of workers, many of whom have waited years for a resolution to their employment status.
Next Steps and Timelines
To push the plan forward, a seven-member team from the Social Commission has been tasked with collaborating with financial experts to precisely calculate the plan’s fiscal impact. Their report will be crucial for crafting the final legislation.
Authorities have indicated that after this final review, the complete bill will be sent to the Parliament for ratification. It is anticipated that the plan could be finalized in the short term, with implementation beginning in the coming year.
This restructuring is viewed as a major milestone in Iran’s efforts to modernize its public human resource management, promising greater stability for employees and increased operational clarity for government bodies.