Iranian Wood and Paper Company workers protest in Gilan over wages and layoffs

On Wednesday 24 Tir 1405, workers of the Iran Wood and Paper Company (Chouka) in Gilan gathered for a protest demanding resolution of several employment and livelihood issues. The demonstrators cited unpaid wages, the removal of overtime pay, partial payment of the new‑year salary and unfulfilled promises from management.

According to reports, about 20 workers were dismissed after a new CEO took office, prompting broader unrest among the workforce. The workers also alleged that the CEO recorded 140 hours of overtime for himself and threatened to fire any employee who organized a gathering. During the protest, the employees forced the CEO to leave the company premises.

The incident is part of a larger pattern of labour actions in Iran; the 2024 annual human‑rights report recorded at least 2,551 protests nationwide, including 724 labour‑related gatherings, alongside dozens of strikes.