As the situation remains very difficult in Iran, the BWI will participate with the other Global Unions in Geneva in a global day of action launched by the ITF calling for respect for the fundamental rights for Iranian workers. The Global Unions will demand the release of jailed workers and leaders in Iran. The BWI urges all affiliates to take part. The Global Day of Action will take place on 6 March 2008.

Mansour Osanloo and Mahmoud Salehi are imprisoned leaders of the Tehran bus workers'. Both men have been repeatedly jailed for their activities in defense of workers rights, and both are urgently in need of proper medical attention. Osanloo has just had another eye operation on 24 January and has again been sent back to prison against the doctor’s recommendations. On 17 January Mahmoud Salehi was taken from the prison's medical clinic to Tohid Hospital's emergency unit.

In addition, a dozen teachers were recently sentenced to 3 months imprisonment. Alireza Hashemi, General Secretary of the Teachers’ Organisation in Iran has been sentenced to three years in jail and another representative of the teachers’ organisation, Mohammad Khaksari, has also been sentenced to one year in prison in January. The jails and prisons are full.

You can find campaign materials and regular updates on the website of the International Transport Workers' Federation here.