International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) mark World Day of Social Justice with report highlighting the experiences of persecuted trade unionists from the transport sector around the world.

In the report, which referenced cases from the situation inside Iran (CODIR faithfully reproduces these sections below) as well as elsewhere, the ITF highlighted the fact that trade union activists from their sector often pay a high price simply for defending the rights and dignity of those who keep our world moving, before going on to resolutely condemn the persecution of these actors as well as call for the immediate release of all those unjustly detained or exiled.

Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of the ITF, stated: “An attack on trade unionists is an attack on us all.  The global labour movement stands together today, and every day of every year, with those who suffer at the hands of anti-democratic governments because of their trade union activities.  The collective power of trade unions is the most potent counterforce against those things in society which cause division.  This is what we mean in the movement when we say, ‘An injury to one, is an injury to all’.”

A dire global backdrop

The latest figures from the ITUC Global Rights Index reveal a stark reality:

• 87% of countries violate the right to strike.
• 79% of countries infringe on the right to collective bargaining.
• 74% of countries obstruct or refuse to register unions.
• 43% of countries restrict free speech and assembly.

Transport workers and their unions often bear the brunt of these violations.  Criminalisation, retaliation, and targeted attacks on union leaders remain rampant worldwide.

Wrongful detention and exile of transport trade unionists in Iran:

Ebrahim Madadi and Davood Razavi

In Iran, the Syndicate of Workers of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company [Syndica-e Sherkat-e Vahed] has long been a prime target for government repression.  Retired workers Ebrahim Madadi and Davood Razavi, both pivotal figures in the Syndicate, remain unjustly imprisoned because of their trade union activism.

Ebrahim Madadi, formerly Vice President of the Syndicate, was arrested again on 11 August 2024.  His legal troubles date back years, marked by repeated detentions for defending workers’ rights.  Previously, he faced a three-and-a-half-year sentence on similarly unfounded charges.  He was also charged for organising a May Day 2015 event, which initially resulted in five years and three months’ imprisonment – later reduced to one year by the Supreme Court.  Despite serious health issues, authorities have decided to carry out his sentence.

Davood Razavi, a member of the Syndicate’s board of directors, was arrested on 27 September 2022 for his trade union activities and for meeting with French union representatives.  He endured four months of solitary confinement under intense interrogation.  After trial, Razavi was handed a five-year prison sentence plus a two-year ban on trade union activities, which was upheld on appeal.  He is currently serving his term in Evin Prison and recently required hospital treatment for medical issues.

These cases are emblematic of broader systemic repression.  Simply meeting with fellow trade unionists or trying to celebrate International Workers’ Day [1 May] has been recast as a criminal offence by Iranian authorities.  The Syndicate’s leadership has repeatedly denounced the state’s persecution.

The right to union activities: non-negotiable

At our 46th Congress meeting in Marrakech last October, ITF committed to our belief that labour rights and trade union rights are human rights.  Attacks on labour rights around the world, including fundamental principles and rights at work, erode democracy and fuel division between workers.

Today, on this World Day of Social Justice, we stand with all persecuted trade unionists.  We reaffirm our commitment to speak out, to act, and to unyieldingly defend the fundamental rights of transport workers worldwide.

We call on:

1. Governments worldwide to demand an end to political prosecutions and the repealing of draconian, punitive legislation used to persecute trade unionists.
2. International organisations to intensify scrutiny and take strong, unambiguous actions – diplomatic, legal, or otherwise – to safeguard labour activists like Carol Ng, Sticks Nkambule, Ebrahim Madadi, and Davood Razavi.

“Workers’ rights are the bedrock of social justice – without them, democracy cannot thrive,” stated Padraig Crumlin, President of the ITF.  “The solidarity of the global labour movement is our greatest defence against oppressive regimes, and today, we reaffirm our commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with every single trade unionist facing persecution.  We will not rest until each one is free.”