The Free Union of Iranian Workers announced on July 13 that about 20 workers from the Sungun copper mine in East Azerbaijan Province have been arrested over the past few days.
The arrests came after riot police on July 7 broke up a strike by hundreds of miners at the country's largest open-pit copper mine. Miners spent three days in tents and cars at the mine complex, demanding better conditions and higher salaries.
The union said the mine's management cooperated with the security agencies in carrying out these arrests.
A video posted to social media purported to show riot police breaking up the strike and detaining miners.
Meanwhile, pensioners and retired government employees continue holding rallies to protest economic conditions despite the government's decision last month to increase some salaries by 10 percent.
Protests were held in Shush, Babol, Kermanshah, Shushtar, and Ahvaz on July 13.
Pensioners and associated groups blame the government for spiraling inflation, high unemployment, and failing to deliver on pledges to significantly increase wages and improve living conditions.
In Shush, retirees spread an empty tablecloth in front of the governor's office, symbolically pointing to the emptiness of their tables while chanting, "Raisi, you liar, what happened to your promises?" -- a reference to President Ebrahim Raisi.
Labor protests in Iran have been on the rise in response to declining living standards, wage arrears, and a lack of insurance support. The labor law in Iran does not recognize the right of workers to form independent unions.
The government's response to the protests has been arrests, violence, and repressions.