Iran retirees and workers protest over wages, benefits and rising costs

On July 7, 2024, retirees and workers marched in several Iranian cities—including Shush, Ahvaz, Dezful, Kermanshah, Tehran, Isfahan and Rasht – demanding higher pensions, improved medical insurance, price controls on food and medicine, and broader social and labour rights. Protesters chanted slogans such as “only the street gives us our rights” and “bread, work, freedom”, calling for an end to inflation, unemployment and corruption.

Separate demonstrations were also reported: telecom retirees gathered in front of the regional telecom office in Rasht to protest decisions on supplemental insurance and food‑allowance payments, while university staff in Tehran rallied outside the administrative employment office demanding parity of contracts, better wages, access to graduate studies, and comprehensive benefit reforms. The broader context cites over 2,500 protest events across Iran in 2024, reflecting widespread labour discontent.