The International Transport Workers’ Federation issued a statement today in solidarity with Iranian truckers on the tenth day of their strike. This is the second time ITF supports Iranian truckers’ strike.

“Let it be clear, ITF unions globally voice their solidarity and stand alongside the truckers of Iran in their fight to defend workers’ rights,” the international federation said in its statement.

ITF operates throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Africa.

Iranian truckers had previously received support by both ITF and the Teamsters in May when their nationwide strike first took off. As the third round of strikes entered its second week, Iran’s Attorney General made a threat to arrest and execute the striking drivers.

ITF’s statement

“The ITF is extremely concerned that news emerging from Iran has detailed a large number of driver arrests. Around 150 truck drivers in various provinces have reportedly been detained for participating in the action, with a spokesperson for the judiciary threatening “heavy punishment.”

Most seriously, the ITF understands that Iran’s attorney general, Mohammad Jaafar Montazeri, has suggested that those who initiated the protest actions will be subject to the death penalty, citing a threat to national security. His comments have been echoed by other clerics.

ITF head of inland transport Noel Coard said: “We are very concerned about the situation. Let it be clear that ITF unions globally voice their solidarity and stand alongside the truckers of Iran in their fight to defend workers’ rights.”

Drivers have been protesting about low and unpaid wages, the high cost of parts (including tyres), and rising costs in the context of a deteriorating economic situation nationally.

Footage on social media shows hundreds of trucks parked in Tehran, Isfahan, Zrin Shahr, Droud, Arak, Marvdasht, Garmsar, Karan, Zarand, Marand, Kashan, Bandar Abbas, and Mashhad.”

The International Transport Workers’ Federation is a global union founded in 1896. In 2017, the ITF had 677 member unions in 149 countries, representing a membership of 16.5 million transport workers in various transport sectors.

The organization also focuses on establishing international solidarity for member unions in conflict with their government. ITF is headquartered in London and has offices in various regions of the world.