|
Nevertheless, in spite of all this, in March 1980, with the exception of a few cases, the plots of the hypocrites were neutralized by the alertness of the workers. |
STARTING STRIKES IN FACTORIES
Finally, there was the question of guilds, and many difficulties seemed insolvable. This question came up especially in connection with starting strikes in March, 1980 and was emphasized.
There were slogans for raising salaries, reduction of working hours, special benefits etc. which it was impossible to realize. It was not due to the disinclination of the authorities, but rather due to the country's depressing economic pressures.
There was no money to spend. Economic issues may of course be discussed for hours, but this is not the place for them. I only mention that it is the natural and necessary outcome of every revolution to bear economic pressures, especially one like the Iranian Revolution, the leaders of which want to preserve, as far as possible, the independence of the country and the sanctity of the Revolution.
But the hypocrites, being aware of this reasoned that the government intended to exploit and cheat the people. With such slogans, they carried on dealing blows on the country's economy. Nevertheless, in spite of all this, in March 1980, with the exception of a few cases, the plots of the hypocrites were neutralized by the alertness of the workers. There are some interesting points concerning this line which are fitting to be read from these reports.
This is a report sent by a factory's hypocrite to his superior. He speaks about the views of the workers he had met: “I asked an old man, “Why do they not pay us? How unfortunate we are.” The old man answered, “The Revolution is faced with many difficulties. We will not demand money at present. May God bless the Imam.” In fact, this was a decisive answer to the hypocrites.
There are also documents concerning a few of the strikes, one of which is about the Melli Shoe factory. It states: “The boy could not contact the headquarters and the telephones were not in good order. If the factory telephone is cut off or controlled, all communication will cease” (Document No.7).
I remember that Reza Karam Al.i himself and Majid Farzaneh, were in direct telephone contact with the hypocrite members who guided the strikes and gave directives. Those who were not acquainted with the procedure may have thought that this move was really made by the workers, whereas that was not the case.
In another place, a directive is given about propagation methods and the way to start a strike, saying: “As the workers' awareness is low, rumors play an important role (this attitude of the hypocrites towards workers is worthy of attention).” The boys, for example, started a strike one day by means of a rumor in the Jam Shoe factory. There are many other cases mentioned in the documents about which one could talk for hours. These lines continued (Document No.8) about June 20th.