Worker Rights Watch is a project of the Volunteer Activists Institute, dedicated to shedding light on the struggles, protests, and legal challenges faced by workers in Iran. Built on grassroots reporting and collaboration with activists on the ground, we monitor labour protests, legal developments, and workplace conditions across the country.
Our work fills a critical gap. Despite Iran’s long-standing membership in the International Labour Organization (ILO), the government has failed to ratify or uphold key conventions on freedom of association and collective bargaining. Domestic labour laws restrict the formation of independent unions, leaving millions of workers without representation or protection.
While international monitoring efforts exist, no initiative systematically tracked and analyzed labour rights violations, protests, and trends in Iran before Worker Rights Watch. By collecting and analysing protest data, legal changes, and labour rights violations, we make visible both the individual struggles and the structural patterns shaping Iran’s labour movement.
This perspective is essential for effective advocacy, inside Iran and on the international stage.
How we work
We combine first-hand accounts from labour activists on the ground, verified media reports, and social media monitoring to build an accurate picture of labour conditions. Alongside this, we closely monitor legal developments, law-making, and policy changes that impact workers’ rights and union activity. Beyond documentation, the series suggests strategies for safer and more effective worker organizing and provides recommendations for international allies on how to support the Iranian labour movement.
Volunteer Activists (VA) empowers civil society in Iran and the MENA region through a strong grassroots network and a commitment to democracy and human rights. Deeply connected to the region, we combine local knowledge with global expertise to support activists and CSOs. Our work focuses on research, targeted training, advocacy, and digital empowerment to address capacity gaps and foster meaningful change.By championing transparency, accountability, and sustainable development, we help build resilient communities and a vibrant civil society. VA provides the tools, resources, and support necessary for activists to drive progress from within, creating a future rooted in justice and democracy.