US House Resolution in Support of Labor Movement in Iran

Condemning the persecution of labor rights advocates in Iran. (Introduced in House)
HCON 203 IH
110th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. CON. RES. 203

Condemning the persecution of labor rights advocates in Iran.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 5, 2007
Mr. KIRK (for himself and Mr. ANDREWS) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Condemning the persecution of labor rights advocates in Iran.

Whereas, on April 9, 2007, Iranian agents arrested and imprisoned Mahmoud Salehi, founder of the Saghez Bakery Workers Association;

Whereas Salehi's life is in grave danger as he sits in the Sanandaj prisons without access to kidney dialysis treatment;

Whereas, on July 10, 2007, plainclothes Iranian agents severely beat and arrested Mansour Osanloo, president of the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs (Vahed);

Whereas Osanloo now sits in Iran's notorious Evin prison with a chronic heart condition and a serious eye condition that requires immediate surgery;

Whereas Osanloo has no access to medical or legal assistance and no contact with his family;

Whereas, on August 9, 2007, Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa called on Iran to immediately release Osanloo and Salehi;

Whereas, on August 9, 2007, the International Trade Union Confederation, together with the International Transport Workers' Federation, staged an international day of action to free Osanloo and Salehi;

Whereas Iran is a member of the International Labor Organization (ILO) and is legally bound to respect ILO core principles, including freedom of association;

Whereas Freedom House reported in 2006 that `Iranian law does not allow independent labor unions to exist'; and

Whereas the United States remains the leading voice in the world for international workers' rights and labor standards: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress--

(1) condemns the Government of Iran for the arrest and imprisonment of Iranian union leaders Mahmoud Salehi and Mansour Osanloo and demands their immediate release; and

(2) expresses its solidarity with the workers of Iran and stands with them in their effort to bring political freedom and individual liberty to Iran.