While officials from Iran’s Budget and Planning Organization have announced that, with the issuance of new pension equalization rulings, an average increase of 15 to 20 million rials (approximately $21.6 to $29) has been added to pensioners’ salaries, some pensioners report raises of less than 10 million rials (around $14.4).
A retiree from the Postal Company, earning about 80 million rials (roughly $116), shared his new statement with the state-run ILNA news agency, showing a salary increase of only 430,000 rials (about $0.62).
He stated that, after months of promises and publicity, his salary increase was just 430,000 rials, equivalent to the cost of four loaves of bread.
Reports indicate that the salary increases for the lowest-paid national pensioners have been minimal, often not reaching even 1 million rials (about $1.50). Pensioners feel that the equalization plan has done little to improve their livelihood.
Some pensioners believe that the formula for salary equalization was improperly implemented or contained calculation errors, leading to dissatisfaction, widespread protests, and pensioners’ union gatherings.
In another report, the Strategic and Coordinating Council of Agricultural Jihad Pensioners issued a statement declaring that it would support any protests organized by pensioners’ advocacy groups.
The council emphasized that the National Pension Fund should hold a meeting similar to that held on September 19, 2020, with pensioners’ representatives and the Plan and Budget Organization. Should these demands not be met within 24 hours before the protest, Agricultural Jihad pensioners will be encouraged to join the gatherings of trusted groups.
Reports indicate that with the issuance of amended rulings in October 2024, the pensions of some retirees increased to a certain extent, while others saw a reduction. This disparity has led to a new wave of pensioners’ protests and increased demands.
