Title: Parliament Drives Comprehensive Social Security Reforms to Bolster Worker and Retiree Welfare
In a significant move to strengthen the nation’s social safety net, the Iranian Parliament is advancing a major overhaul of the social security system. These reforms, developed in coordination with the government, are squarely focused on improving the livelihoods, job security, and human dignity of workers and retirees.
A Collaborative Initiative for Social Justice
The push for reform was highlighted during a joint meeting of labor and retiree associations in Mazandaran, where MP Ali Babaei Karnami underscored the legislature’s commitment. “If we cannot properly manage the livelihood of workers, the realization of social justice will not be possible,” Babaei Karnami stated, emphasizing the core motivation behind the new measures.
Key Proposed Reforms
A recent session of the Parliament’s Social Commission, attended by the Managing Director of the Social Security Organization, Mustafa Salari, saw the presentation and discussion of seven key amendment proposals. The wide-ranging agenda includes:
- Wage and Pension Adjustments: Building on what was described as a tangible and acceptable wage increase this year, further reforms aim to refine pension calculations and retirement age criteria.
- Expanding Insurance Coverage: A central goal is to extend social insurance to a larger number of workers, including those in construction, drivers, carpet weavers, and handicraft artists. Proposed changes would grant the Social Security Organization greater flexibility in adjusting the employer and insured person contribution shares to facilitate this expansion.
- Support for Hazardous Professions: Reforms to Article 86 of the Social Security Law seek to better classify and support workers in difficult and hazardous jobs, ensuring benefits are commensurate with the specific risks of each profession.
- Financial Streamlining and Resource Protection: To safeguard the organization’s resources, proposals include mechanisms for the government to settle its debts to the Social Security Organization through cash, bonds, shares, or assets. There is also a strong initiative to reintegrate the Bank of Workers’ Welfare, whose shares are fully owned by the Social Security Organization, to serve as its financial arm.
- Addressing Unauthorized Payments: The reforms aim to prevent payments outside the organization’s core mandate, ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
Commitment to Core Mission
Mustafa Salari, head of the Social Security Organization, praised the Parliament’s cooperation. He expressed hope that these legal amendments would help the organization return to its primary duties as defined by law, prevent unauthorized expenditures, and ensure it operates efficiently for the benefit of all insured individuals.
This comprehensive package of reforms represents a concerted effort by Iran’s legislative and executive bodies to fortify the social security framework, directly addressing the economic welfare of its workforce and retired citizens.
