Haft Tapeh: A Scene of Struggle between Labour and Capital

The workers of Haft Tapeh arose to reclaim more of their labour value, albeit still very cheap, from the capitalists.

What these workers have demanded is nothing compared to the enormous wealth that they are producing and building.  The Haft Tapeh workers were assaulted by various Armed Forces of the capitalist government of Iran.  These Forces not only assaulted the workers with batons but also much worse, the Forces attacked their young children.

The intensity of such brutality was to such an extent that the traumatized children were pleading for help from the adults.  During this raid all of the vicious boundaries of capitalism were left behind.  In this situation, the violence of capitalism presented itself to the workers who were screaming “We are hungry!!”

The capitalist government demonstrates the dark scene against the workers of Haft Tapeh and their families.  However, on the same day, a number of workers who rallied on the street in the centre of Shush City[1] totaled more than 10,000.  This number is double the amount of all the Haft Tapeh workers.   Many other people from the city including other workers from other sectors had joined the rally.  Despite knowing that there is a huge probability that they would be attacked for supporting these workers, they still joined in the rally.  This event indicates that the working class movement of Iran, if not on a large scale, but at least to a large extent has spontaneously prepared the preliminary task to begin their powerful struggle. 

The Haft Tapeh Cane workers have been on strike three times since the beginning of this (Iranian) year.  These strikes were continuations of eleven strikes from last year.  All of these strikes were faced with attacks from the capitalist forces; however, the workers struggled militantly with firm determination.  The workers and their families were attacked by oppressive forces on this day.  Despite the attacks, their resolve did not waiver. 

On this same day, the workers blockaded the Shush-Dezful [2] road.  This action not only was an attempt to spread the news to other workers, but also a disruption to the daily structure of capital.  Additionally, the hireling forces of capital also attacked the crowd of workers in order to repel them from their blockade.  However, the workers resisted firmly against the repressive forces which resulted in the workers taking back the road.  The Governor who was present there attempted to speak but the workers interrupted him.  They were all yelling “We do not want any more promises.  We want our back-wages owed to us; down with the Governor, down with Shafie and Zibdari! 

Victory or failure of the Haft Tapeh workers becomes a fundamental link in the chain of the entire working class struggle in Iran.  To gain a victory here requires widespread practical support by all workers in Iran, especially those who work in key industries.  Workers of the Haft Tapeh cane factory need to exert their specific power against capital.  This needs practical solidarity from all workers from different sectors of production.  Currently the workers of Ahvaz pipe factory have responded to these actions positively.  However in order for the Haft Tapeh workers to gain victory other workers for instance those from industries such as hydro, petroleum, transportation, still must come to their side.  These workers all must strike by exerting their collective power against capitalism and force them to bow down to their demands.  A victory for the Haft Tapeh workers is a victory of the workers movement in Iran and a failure for them would be a failure for the working class.

Coordinating Committee to Form Workers’ Organization (Tehran Region)
 www.hamaahangi.com

hamaahangi@gmail.com

May 18, 2008