Iran Announces Strategic Wage Increase, Prioritizing Comprehensive Worker Support
In a significant move to bolster worker welfare, Iran’s Minister of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare has detailed the government’s strategic approach to wage policy, emphasizing a broad-based increase in the minimum wage for the current Iranian year.
A Focus on Holistic Compensation
Minister Ahmad Meydari explained that the approximately 45% increase in the minimum wage for the year 1404 (2024/2025) was structured to enhance multiple components of a worker’s compensation package. This strategic decision was made to provide a more comprehensive uplift in living standards.
Strategic Policy on Housing Allowance
Addressing the status of the specific “housing allowance” for workers, Minister Meydari clarified that the substantial rise in the base minimum wage was prioritized to benefit workers across several financial fronts, rather than through a singular, isolated increase in the housing stipend. He affirmed that the broader wage hike effectively served the same goal of improving workers’ financial well-being.
Future Directions for Worker Housing
Looking forward, the Minister outlined the ministry’s policy focus on the expansion of housing options for workers. He stated that the primary strategy is to actively promote and develop worker housing projects. Furthermore, he highlighted that any future decision regarding a direct increase to the housing allowance itself falls within the mandate of the Supreme Labour Council, the body responsible for setting national wage policies.
This announcement underscores the government’s continued focus on implementing balanced and effective economic policies aimed at supporting the nation’s workforce.