Title: Parliamentary Commission Advances Reforms to Bolster Worker and Retiree Welfare
In a significant move addressing the welfare of workers and retirees, Iran’s Parliamentary Social Commission has convened a high-level meeting, resulting in a series of proposed legislative reforms aimed at strengthening the nation’s social security system.
A Commitment to Livelihoods
The developments emerged from a meeting attended by MP Fatemi, a member of the Social Commission, and representatives from the Mazandaran Workers’ House and the Provincial Retirees’ Association. MP Fatemi underscored the government’s and parliament’s serious commitment to improving the living standards of workers and retirees, with a specific focus on resolving issues related to supplementary insurance and free healthcare.
“The strength and cohesion of the working class are vital for the country’s comprehensive production and growth,” Fatemi stated, highlighting the critical role of robust labor and retiree organizations in effectively conveying the demands of these communities to officials.
Addressing Systemic Challenges
During the session, Nasrollah Daryabeigi, Secretary of the Mazandaran Workers’ House, pointed to the challenging economic conditions faced by workers and retirees. A central topic of discussion was the government’s substantial debt to the Social Security Organization, which has created difficulties in fulfilling obligations such as free medical services and pension adjustments.
In response to these challenges, the commission, with the presence of the Managing Director of the Social Security Organization, Mustafa Salari, reviewed seven key reform proposals designed to safeguard the organization’s resources and streamline its operations.
Key Legislative Proposals
The proposed reforms, which represent a concerted effort to return the Social Security Organization to its core mission, include:
- Settling Government Debt: A proposal to clear the government’s debt to the Social Security fund through various means, including cash, bonds, and shares.
- Expanding Insurance Coverage: Measures to increase insurance coverage for workers, carpet weavers, and handicraft artists, potentially by adjusting the contribution shares of employers and the insured.
- Reforming Hazardous Job Classifications: An initiative to reform the classification of arduous and harmful jobs, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to a graded system based on the specific risks of each profession.
- Reintegrating Bank Refah: A pivotal proposal to legally facilitate the return of Bank Refah to the Social Security Organization, reinforcing it as the financial arm of the institution.
- Pension Calculation Adjustments: A review of the calculation method for retirement pensions based on average service years.
Managing Director Salari expressed gratitude for the parliament’s cooperation, expressing hope that these legal amendments would prevent unauthorized payments and refocus the organization on its primary duties, thereby ensuring its long-term sustainability and enhanced service delivery to its beneficiaries.