Teachers are among the most organized workers’ groups in Iran. Over the past decade, the teachers’ movement in Iran joined the larger workers’ movement through field protests and activism and has become one of the country’s most dynamic social movements. Between May 2022 to September 2023, the teachers’ movement underwent significant upheaval. Research by Volunteer Activists found that 220 teachers union activists were arrested between May 2022 and September 2023. They received judicial sentences and faced employment deprivations due to their involvement in the “Woman, Life, Freedom” demonstrations, their support of youths and students in the protests, and their advocacy for better working conditions. In this report, Volunteer Activists shed light on the Iranian teachers’ trade union movement’s experiences and challenges against severe government repression while also discussing avenues for the international community to assist.

Download the report here.