Title: Retirees Demand Fair Pension Adjustments: Calls for Implementation of Social Security Article 96
Protests Erupt Over Unmet Pension Demands
On Sunday, August 10, 2024, retirees from the Social Security Organization held protest gatherings in Rasht, Ahvaz, and Tehran. According to reports, over a thousand retirees rallied with slogans such as “Our pensions don’t last a week” and “A dignified life is our right,” demanding the enforcement of Article 96 of the Social Security Law, payment of government debts, and access to free healthcare.
Retirees emphasized that their current pensions are insufficient to cover basic living expenses, calling for immediate adjustments to align with the rising cost of living.
Steel Industry Retirees Join Protests Over Wage Disparities
Simultaneously, steel industry retirees in Isfahan staged a separate demonstration, protesting what they described as unequal pension adjustments compared to other retirement funds. They argued that their pension increases have been disproportionately low and demanded fair recalibration in line with legal obligations.
Economic Pressures Fuel Growing Unrest
Amid high inflation and economic challenges, retirees stressed that their current benefits fail to meet even a week’s worth of expenses. Many reiterated calls for:
- Timely implementation of Article 96 to adjust pensions based on living costs.
- Clear timelines for settling unpaid dues owed by the government.
- Expanded free healthcare coverage to alleviate financial burdens.
A Pattern of Escalating Protests
These protests follow similar demonstrations earlier this year in cities like Tehran, Shush, Ahvaz, and Kermanshah, where retirees pressed for pension reforms and better healthcare access. The persistence of these rallies reflects deepening frustration over delayed resolutions.
Experts Propose Solutions
To address the crisis, analysts and labor activists recommend:
- Immediate enforcement of Article 96 to adjust pensions fairly.
- Structured repayment plans for overdue pension debts.
- Higher pension ceilings to match actual living costs.
- Reforms in wage harmonization, particularly for steel industry retirees.
- Free healthcare expansion to support retirees’ well-being.
- Transparent communication channels for retirees to track progress.
A Call for Urgent Action
Retirees made their message clear: the status quo is unsustainable. Their demands—rooted in legal entitlements—are seen as vital to ensuring dignity and economic security. Failure to address these concerns risks eroding public trust and escalating social tensions.
The Path Forward:
Swift government action to meet retirees’ demands could reinforce social justice and strengthen confidence in public institutions. The time for sustainable solutions is now.
