Teamsters Call for Release of Imprisoned Iranian Union Leader
July 18 2007 - 1:35PM
PR Newswire (US)
Teamsters Join Worldwide Effort To Free Mansour Osanloo WASHINGTON,
July 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Teamsters Union deplores the
arrest and imprisonment of an Iranian union leader kidnapped last
week in Tehran. The union demands his immediate and unconditional
release. Mansour Osanloo, president of the Vahed Bus Workers' Union
in Tehran, was abducted July 10 from a street by several men.
Witnesses say he was beaten and bundled into a gray car. Iranian
authorities initially denied knowledge of his whereabouts, but
later admitted he is incarcerated in Tehran's Evin Prison. Teamster
General President Jim Hoffa said he is extremely concerned about
Osanloo's safety. "The Teamsters Union abhors the latest attack on
Mansour Osanloo and demands his release from prison," Hoffa said.
"His assault and kidnapping are a deliberate violation of his union
rights and an attempt to intimidate union supporters in Iran. We
are joining unions around the world in protesting this violation of
human and union rights." Osanloo has been arrested three times
before for union activity. He was arrested in November. The next
month, union supporters were arrested during a union meeting.
Iranian police later arrested hundreds more workers as they
demonstrated in protest. In February 2006, Teamsters demonstrated
in Washington to demand the release of the imprisoned Iranian bus
drivers as part of a worldwide protest. Some of the trade union
prisoners were freed, following strikes and pressure from
international worker and human rights organizations. Released
workers reported they have been denied the right to return to their
jobs, and more have been arrested. Iran is a member of the
International Labor Organization and therefore is legally obligated
to comply with the principles of freedom of association. That
includes the right to form and join unions, the right to bargain
collectively and the right to strike. Iran's own constitution
permits "the formation of parties, societies, political or
professional associations." Iranian law recognizes the right to
strike. The Teamsters are urging their members to demand Osanloo's
release by signing a petition and letter to Iranian President
Mohammed Ahmadjinejad. The International Transport Workers'
Federation Web site provides a URL for that purpose:
http://www.itfglobal.org/solidarity/osanloo2.cfm. Founded in 1903,
the Teamsters Union represents more than 1.4 million hardworking
men and women in the United States and Canada. DATASOURCE:
International Brotherhood of Teamsters CONTACT: Leslie Miller of
the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, +1-202-624-6911, Web
site: http://www.teamster.org/
http://www.itfglobal.org/solidarity/osanloo2.cfm
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