Iran: truck drivers stage widespread protests

 Protest gathering of more than 4,500 truck drivers in Bandar Abbas

Thousands of drivers of large trucks in the cities of Bandar Abbas, Shiraz, Isfahan and Yazd launched widespread protests and strikes.

On Monday 4,500 truck drivers in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, staged a protest rally and went on strike on Monday, April 11^th. These drivers protested the transportation system, corruption and tax extortion.

At times these hardworking drivers are forced to wait 20 days in line, and remain out of work, whereas regime elements wait only a few hours and receive their payload.

Moreover, the Tax Organization in Iran demands heavy taxes from these drivers and even demands taxes on surplus values.

State agents arrested three of the protesters in response to their strike. The protesting drivers in Bandar Abbas said they will continue their protests until those arrested are unconditionally released.

More than 2,000 drivers of large trucks in Shiraz, nearly 2,500 drivers of large trucks in Isfahan and 1,500 drivers of large trucks in Yazd also protested and went on strike.

These hardworking drivers are seeking immediate intervention by the World Labor Organization and global drivers’ syndicates in this regard.

It is worth noting that on April 5^th more than 3,000 truck drivers in Bandar Abbas rallied and protested how loads are distributed and lack of minimum services.

“We are delayed for more than 26 days in the Bandar Abbas terminal and are forced to pay heavy expenses during such periods,” the protesting drivers said.