Rewritten Title:
Retirees Demand Equitable Social Security Benefits: Calls for Immediate Action
Retirees Rally for Fair Treatment Amid Social Security Disparities
Retirees across Iran are intensifying their advocacy for equal social security rights, criticizing disparities between civil service pensioners and those under the Social Security Organization (SSO). Parviz Ahmadi Panjeki, a board member of the Supreme Council of Retirees, highlighted systemic inequalities, urging authorities to address delayed pension payments, healthcare benefits, and the mismanagement of SSO assets.
Broken Promises and Financial Struggles
Ahmadi emphasized that despite repeated assurances from SSO officials, retirees continue to face financial hardships. “Every month, officials claim they lack funds to pay pensions and must borrow,” he stated. Meanwhile, insurance premiums deducted from retirees’ pensions remain unpaid to insurers, depriving them of essential healthcare coverage.
Delays in payments have further eroded trust, with some retirees still awaiting overdue pensions from the previous year. “Unfulfilled promises have severely damaged retirees’ confidence in the system,” Ahmadi added.
Inequities in Pension Benefits
Ahmadi criticized the stark contrast in benefits between civil service retirees and SSO pensioners. While civil servants enjoy medical, welfare, and even subsidized travel to Kish Island, SSO retirees are excluded from such privileges.
“Both pension funds operate under the Ministry of Labor, yet oversight is inconsistent,” he asserted, calling for equal treatment under the law.
Unresolved SSO Assets Raise Concerns
The SSO reportedly holds significant assets, including 47 hotels, nearly 4,000 beds, and over 17,000 tourism-related seats—half of which belong to the organization. Despite this, retirees have yet to benefit from these resources.
Ahmadi demanded transparency, stating, “These assets rightfully belong to retirees, yet no clear answers have been provided on their management.” He warned that continued neglect risks further depriving retirees of their entitlements.
Urgent Calls for Accountability
Retiree associations are pressing for action, urging the Ministry of Labor and SSO leadership to appoint competent managers capable of safeguarding retirees’ interests. Ahmadi also appealed to judicial authorities to investigate SSO-affiliated companies, stressing that retirees’ assets are a “public trust” that must be protected.
“If current managers cannot defend retirees’ rights, we are prepared to take legal action,” Ahmadi declared, underscoring retirees’ determination to secure fair treatment.
Final Note:
The growing movement highlights retirees’ demands for justice, transparency, and equitable access to benefits, with advocates vowing to persist until tangible reforms are implemented.
