[REVISION HISTORY]

Iran pension, labor, and public sector protests intensify

Updated 21 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-07 02:02 UTC → 2026-10-11 20:48 UTC · added ~~removed~~

By ~~early October~~ mid-October 2026, unrest involving retirees, workers, and public sector employees expanded across Iran, characterized by a trend of weekly demonstrations known as ‘protest Mondays.’ Pensioner protests intensified in several cities. In Isfahan, steel industry retirees gathered near the governorate building to protest issues with Dana Supplementary Insurance, claiming the company has failed to pay approximately 120 billion tomans in medical invoices. They also demanded full implementation of wage adjustments to align pensions with active workers’ salaries. Social security retirees held demonstrations in Shush, Karokh, Haft Tappeh, Tehran, and Rasht, demanding increased pensions to match inflation and the ‘commodification of healthcare and education.’ On October 5, telecommunications retirees held coordinated protests in Tehran, Isfahan, Kermanshah, and Sanandaj. Protesters in Sanandaj demanded the payment of outstanding claims and the full implementation of Regulation 89/24. According to the Council of Iranian Retirees, grievances include unpaid dues and the failure of major shareholders—specifically Setad Ejraiye Farmane Emam and the Etemad Mobin Consortium—to fulfill promises regarding claim payments. By October 11, pensioners in Tehran, Isfahan, Rasht, and Shush continued demonstrations, criticizing the Social Security Organization’s management and the government’s failure to pay outstanding debts. Demands included increasing pensions in line with real inflation, implementing salary equalization, and addressing inadequate health insurance. Protesters also opposed government plans to waive employer late fees and called for the dissolution of the organization's board of trustees. Labor-related unrest and safety concerns have escalated. In Karaj, Darnavand company workers protested poor working conditions, low wages, and inadequate food, while alleging the dismissal of employees for minor delays and an assault on a Balochi worker by a security guard. In Arak, approximately 300 Hepco workers demanded overdue September wages and formal contracts. Simultaneously, workplace accidents in Mashhad, Damavand, and Urmia—including falls and well-related incidents—have led to multiple fatalities. In Gonbad-e Kavus, two seasonal workers went missing following the flooding of the Atrek River. Public sector workers, particularly teachers and nurses, are facing an economic and legal crisis. Some nurses have reported that monthly salaries of 250 to 280 million rials are insufficient to cover basic expenses, leading to workforce burnout and resignations.

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