On May Day: A Letter of Support From Norway to Iran

The labor movement is the most effective weapon against totalitarian regimes. Therefore it is particularly sad to hear the news from Iran today. On May 1^st, several union members were arrested while protesting in Tehran. It is also sad because I believe that the labor movement can, if it is strong enough, be a path to freedom for the Iranian people.

During her public speech on May 1^st, Hege Haukeland Liadal (Member of Parliament for the Labor Party in Norway) reported the news from Tehran. We were shocked to learn that the Iranian authorities were “hunting down” union leaders. But everyone understood why the government is doing this. In Norway, our history tells us that the unions are very important when it comes to creating freedom, equality and solidarity.

I believe that the labor movement and workers’ unions are the pathway to freedom, equality and solidarity throughout the world. There are three reasons why a free and powerful labor movement has the opportunity to change a society.

First, unions help to create safety at work, thereby also creating more evenly distributed wealth in society. This gives people the opportunity to be actively engaged in their own lives. Being politically active can create change. Peace of mind in everyday life gives the possibility to fight.

Secondly, the labor movement unifies people across established borders in societies. The labor movement was formed out of the need to be stronger together. The labor movement is concerned with both employment and everyday challenges of life,  common interests that everyone shares, regardless of religion, race, social status and gender. These common interests have the power to bring large masses together. Therefore, workers’ unions can be more unifying than anything else in our society.

Thirdly, the organization and education of unions is essential. When enough people gather together, they become powerful. But they must be well organized to retain this power. The labor movement has, in its nature, always been well organized and educated. This has given the movement perseverance and structure to fight a long battle, year after year. This is very important---do not doubt it for a second. Those who have power work every day, year round, to keep their power. Therefore the labor movement must do the same. 


Totalitarian regimes have always been afraid of workers’ unions, with very good reason. Unions change communities and build democracies all over the world.

My hope is that Iran will build stronger unions. Through the organization of workers, these unions will affect much more than wages and working conditions. Workers’ unions could play an important role in creating freedom for the Iranian people.

Iran is a large country with a rich culture and proud and intellectual people. I have every confidence that the people of Iran can create change. Today, on May 1^st,2014,  brave Iranians went out on the streets to celebrate International Labor day. In Norway we hope, and will continue to hope, that they will be victorious. Iranian workers had to pay a great price today, but I do not think their struggle was in vain.

However, it is up to the people of Iran to decide.

Simon Næsse, Local leader of The Norwegian Civil Service Union,
Haugesund, Norway