Title: Government and Parliament Address Pensions and Workers’ Welfare in New Social Security Initiatives
Article:
Payment of Pension Adjustments Commences
The Social Security Organization has announced the commencement of payments for adjusted pension arrears and annual salary increases. The process, which began gradually on Monday, covers the remaining eligible retirees and pensioners who were not included in the earlier phases. This disbursement is being handled through agent banks.
The first phase of these payments was executed on September 3rd for all retirees and disabled individuals receiving a total income of up to 20 million tomans. A subsequent phase coincided with the payment of September pensions for all surviving beneficiaries.
Parliamentary Focus on Livelihood Improvement
In related developments, a member of the Iranian Parliament’s Social Commission has outlined new initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare of retirees and workers. These plans include a multi-stage increase in pensions and workers’ wages, the reintegration of the Workers’ Welfare Bank with the Social Security Organization, and the overall improvement of insurance and medical services.
Ms. Fatemi, the representative of Babol and a member of the Social Commission, emphasized during a joint meeting with labor and pensioner representatives in Mazandaran province that the commission is earnestly working to elevate the livelihoods of workers and retirees. “The Social Commission is seriously striving to improve the livelihoods of workers and retirees, resolve supplementary insurance problems, and provide free medical services to this segment of society,” she stated.
Highlighting the importance of a cohesive workforce, Fatemi added, “If the working class possesses strength and solidarity, it can play an effective role in the country’s production and comprehensive growth.” She also stressed the necessity of strengthening labor and retiree organizations, noting that dynamic and active entities can effectively convey the demands of workers and retirees to officials.
Collaborative Efforts and Institutional Roles
Nasrollah Daryabeigi, the Executive Secretary of the Workers’ House and head of the Mazandaran Retirees’ Association, also participated in the meeting. He acknowledged the difficult economic situation faced by workers and retirees and pointed to the government’s substantial debt to the social security fund as a primary challenge. This financial strain has impacted the organization’s ability to fulfill its commitments, including providing free medical services and implementing pension adjustments.
Daryabeigi warned of the consequences of neglecting these issues, stating, “Our patience and cooperation with the government have limits. The government must take immediate action to resolve these problems.”
The representative from Babol described the role of institutions like the Workers’ House and Retirees’ Associations as key and effective interfaces between the government, parliament, and the wider community of workers and retirees. She noted that through their performance, these institutions can help mitigate social and economic problems.
In light of the current economic challenges, strengthening financial resources, reforming mechanisms, and fostering solidarity among relevant organizations are seen as vital steps toward improving the living conditions of workers and pensioners across the nation.