Rewritten Title: Workers’ Welfare: The Paramount Political Challenge of the Coming Year
Article:
A Stark Economic Disparity
In a significant meeting with the head of the Iranian Parliament’s Social Commission, labor union leader Nasrollah Daryabeigi highlighted a critical economic issue facing the nation. He reported that while the actual cost of a worker’s household subsistence basket has exceeded 23.6 million tomans, the wages received by many workers remain around 10 million tomans. This growing gap, he asserted, represents a primary challenge for the political and economic landscape.
The Unfulfilled Role of the Workforce
Daryabeigi emphasized that the working class forms the backbone of the country’s economy. He stated that, contrary to the explicit directives of the Quran and the ideals of the Islamic Revolution, workers still do not have a pronounced role in national administration. He affirmed that labor unions are continuously active, sometimes working up to 12 hours a day to follow up on workers’ demands, and vowed to “defend our rights and the ideals of the Imam, the martyrs, and the Leadership with a loud voice.”
A Call for Substantive Political Representation
The union leader underscored that workers are fundamental to the formation of governments and parliaments, yet their true position in decision-making processes has been overlooked. He clarified that the workers’ community is not a platform for personal concerns, but a venue for addressing the livelihood, healthcare, and legal problems of workers and for critiquing ineffective policies, irrespective of political factions.
Looking ahead, Daryabeigi pointed to the upcoming Islamic City and Village Councils elections, scheduled to coincide with International Workers’ Day, as a “decisive test” for the labor community. He urged workers to participate seriously and support only those candidates with a verifiable and defensible record of supporting workers’ rights.
A Shift in Political Engagement
“The time is past,” he added, “when trust could be gained by relying on the slogans of principlism or reformism.” He stated that the people now seek sincerity, a clear track record, and a genuine belief in justice and support for the underprivileged. Anyone who ignores these realities, he warned, should not expect the votes of the working class. Daryabeigi pledged that labor unions would firmly support the most suitable candidates who have a real understanding of workers’ demands and would not let this “historic opportunity” slip away.
A Long-Standing Legal Shortfall
In conclusion, Daryabeigi noted a long-term institutional failure, stating that the government and the Supreme Labor Council have been negligent since 1990 in implementing Article 41 of the Labor Law. This article is designed to be adjusted based on inflation and the cost of the subsistence basket but is not practically enforced. He described the deep disparity between the real cost of living and the minimum wage as indicative of a disregard for the dignity of the labor force in the country.