Title: Parliament Prioritizes Pensioner Welfare in Mazandaran, Addresses Key Concerns
Article:
In a significant move underscoring its commitment to social welfare, a parliamentary representative in Iran’s Mazandaran province has affirmed that the livelihoods and healthcare of workers and pensioners are a fundamental priority for the legislature. This announcement came during a high-level meeting involving labor unions, pensioner associations, and social security officials from the cities of Chalus, Nowshahr, and Kelardasht.
Strengthening Advocacy Through Labor Institutions
The meeting highlighted the crucial role of labor institutions, such as the “Workers’ House” in western Mazandaran. The attending MP, Mr. Pooladi, emphasized that these bodies act as a vital bridge, conveying the voices of workers and pensioners directly to the government and parliament. He also expressed support for the management of the Social Security Organization and called for the precise implementation of laws, including the allocation of government funds to the organization to enhance services for its members.
Addressing Economic Pressures and Commitments
During the discussions, Nasrollah Daryabeigi, the Executive Secretary of the Workers’ House and head of the Mazandaran Retirees’ Association, pointed to the pressing economic challenges, citing the significant gap between wages and inflation. He called for increased support from both the government and parliament for workers and pensioners. Furthermore, he raised concerns about the government’s financial commitments to the Social Security Organization, stating that pledged funds had not yet been fully transferred, which has impacted the provision of supplementary medical insurance and created difficulties for retirees.
Cross-Constituency Support for Retiree Rights
The focus on pensioner welfare was echoed in a separate meeting between labor and retiree groups and the parliamentary representative for Babolsar and Fereydunkenar. The MP, Mr. Bagherzadeh, reiterated that addressing the living and healthcare concerns of the workforce and retirees remains a top agenda item for parliament members. Key issues being pursued include salary adjustments, the distribution of essential commodity subsidies, and the settlement of government debts to the Social Security Organization.
A Firm Stance on Legal Entitlements
The retiree associations presented a clear framework of their legal entitlements, rooted in the Social Security Law. Having contributed to the fund through regular premium payments over decades, retirees are calling for the full execution of the law. Their core demands include the provision of comprehensive services such as free, quality healthcare, pension increases that keep pace with inflation to preserve purchasing power, and transparent management of the fund’s resources. They also expect their representative organizations to focus primarily on defending these fundamental rights.