Arrests of Iranian Bus Drivers Protested

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

“Transit workers work for everyone,” said Metro worker Mike Myrick. “So transit workers in Iran must have the same rights to organize, protest and demonstrate that we do here in the United States.” Hundreds of transit workers, labor activists and supporters turned out in the bright sunshine last Thursday for a noontime demonstration outside the upper Wisconsin offices of the Iranian Interest Section. “Iranian workers, we will not forget you,” chanted more than 100 demonstrators, waving placards, flags and banners. Hundreds of striking bus drivers were arrested and jailed in Tehran in late January and though some have since been released, none have been reinstated and many still remain imprisoned. “It’s totally unjust that in this day and age some people still don’t have the right to speak out,” said Teamsters 639 President Tommy Ratliff. Added ATU 689 President Mike Golash, addressing the rally, “The bosses in Tehran are no different than the bosses in this country and they understand that transit workers are always the key to any labor movement. Workers of the world, unite!” Solidarity Center Executive Director Barbara Shailor and Metro Council President Jos Williams delivered a letter to the Iranian Interest Section protesting the arrests. Similar demonstrations took place at 18 capitols around the world. Photo by Chris Garlock