RAHANA – In recent months, the number of worker protests has been on the rise across the country. The irrational economic policies of Ahmadinejad’s government have led to bankruptcies and cash flow shortages among the producers in many sections. Additionally, workers have become the primary victims of the downturn.

According to a Simin factory employee who was present during a protest, workers have not been paid in six months and were told by the management not to expect any New Year [referring to Norooz, March 20, 2010] bonuses or other benefits.

The management has remained indifferent to the difficulties faced by workers, telling them their protest will go nowhere, and that they are free to take any action that they please.

When asked why they keep working without pay, one worker responded, “We have no choice; we already have a hard time making ends meet, and the situation will only get worse.”