Belarusian and Iranian independent trade union leaders agreed to strengthen solidarity

During the 23rd Federal Congress of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) in Berlin, Aliaksandr Yarashuk, Chair of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions, and Lizaveta Merliak, Executive Director of Salidarnast e.V., met with representatives of the Iranian Labour Confederation - Abroad (ILC).

Ahead of the meeting, Iranian trade union activist (ILC Boardmember) Peyman Shajirati described the situation facing workers in his country: rising prices and inflation, declining real wages, the spread of temporary and insecure contracts, the weakening of social protection, and systematic pressure on independent trade union activity. It was also stressed that Iranian workers face arrests, dismissals for trade union activity, the criminalisation of labour demands, and restrictions on collective self-organisation. In many respects, this situation closely resembles that in Belarus.

Iranian trade union activists noted that the experience of Belarusian independent trade unions, which operated under intense pressure, is of particular value to them. They called for the development of international solidarity, the exchange of experience between independent trade union networks, support within international trade union structures, and broader coverage of the problems faced by Iranian workers.

Aliaksandr Yarashuk said that the meeting once again showed how similar dictatorial regimes can be in their treatment of workers and trade unions. He stressed that the situation regarding workers’ rights and independent trade unions in Iran is very similar to that in Belarus. According to him, a defining feature of such systems is the drive to subordinate workers, deprive them of the right to organise, and keep them in a state of fear and obedience.

During the meeting, the Belarusian and Iranian representatives discussed the common challenges faced by workers in both countries, including the persecution of independent trade unions, prison sentences, violence, and attempts to destroy all forms of self-organisation. It was emphasised that, in response to the unification of the forces of evil — dictatorial regimes in Belarus, Iran, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Myanmar and other countries — ties must also be strengthened between those fighting for workers’ rights, freedom of association and social justice.

The meeting in Berlin became another step towards strengthening international trade union solidarity between Belarusian and Iranian independent activists. The two sides expressed their readiness to continue co-operation and to support one another.

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