Texas Labor Against the War

Istanbul--200,000 rally at Taksim Square (photo Reuters-Stringer)

 May 1, 2011, Istanbul, Turkey–200,000 people march.  Milwaukee, Wisconsin–100,000.  These were among the largest events in the world on May Day, International Workers Day–or simply Labor Day for most of the world, El Dia del Trabajo. 

 Born in the U.S. in 1886 in the struggle for the 8-hour day, May Day was associated with anarchists, socialists, and communists, so the U.S. government undermined it with the establishment of a new and innocuous “Labor Day” holiday in September.  Kept barely alive by a few leftists, May Day was brought back to the U.S. in a big way by immigrants in 2006 and became a big day for the expression of immigrant issues and the demand for immigrant rights.  As U.S. workers tried to reclaim our holiday,

Milwaukee (photo Tom Lynn, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)

 consciousness grew about the need for solidarity with workers all over the world, and more U.S. workers joined with immigrants in the celebration of this holiday.  The biggest expression of this unity in 2011 was in Wisconsin. 

Some of the issues around the world:  More jobs, union rights, better working conditions, higher wages to counter higher prices for food and fuel; migrant worker rights; an end to the growing income gap between rich and poor; democratic political rights and an end to autocratic governments; an end to the U.S. occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Ciudad Monte, Tamaulipas, Mexico--workers remember the "martyrs of Chicago" along with their own fallen comrades (noticiaselmexicano.com) Dhaka, Bangladesh (photo Pavel Rahman-AP)

Beirut, Lebanon (photo Migrant Workers Task Force)

Ankara, Turkey (photo Umit Bektas-Reuters)

Manila, Philippines--workers demand immediate wage increase, burn President Benigno Aquino III in effigy (photo Aaron Favila-AP)Jakarta, Indonesia (photo Irwin Fedriansyah-AP)

Hyderabad--All India Trade Union Congress (photo Mahesh Kumar A.-AP)

Mumbai--Striking Air India pilots (photo Vivek Prakash-Reuters)

Katmandu--Supporters of CP (Maoist) and activists of Nepal Trade Union (photo Binod Joshi-AP)

Baghdad--Members of the Iraqi Communist Party (photo Khalid Mohammed-AP)

Basra (Federation of Workers' Councils and Unions in Iraq--uslaboragainstwar.org)

Cairo, Egypt--May Day in Tahrir Square (photo Khalil Hamra-AP)

Lahore, Pakistan--Union workers rally (photo K.M. Chaudary-AP)

Madrid, Spain (photo Arturo Rodriguez-AP)

Moscow, Russia--members of the Left Front (photo Ivan Sekretarev-AP)

Lisbon, Portugal--Against the IMF, for Leftist Unity (photo Armando Franca-AP)

Caracas, Venezuela (photo Ariana Cubillos-AP)

Havana, Cuba--Students in Revolution Square (photo Enrique de la Osa-Reuters)

Mexico City--Workers protesting labor law "reform" burn image of Labor Secretary Javier Lozano (photo Marco Ugarte-AP)

Houston (thefirecollective.org)

Houston (thefirecollective.org)

Dallas (labordallas.org)

San Antonio (blogs.sacurrent.com)

Atlanta, GA--Protesters urge Gov. Nathan Deal to veto anti-immigrant legislation (photo Rich Addicks-AP)

New York--rally for jobs and immigrant rights (photo Seth Wenig-AP)

Los Angeles, California (photo L.A. County Federation of Labor)

Milwaukee--Voces de la Frontera has been organizing big May Day marches since 2006 (photo Tom Lynn-Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)

Milwaukee--This says it all (photo Tom Lynn-Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)

MAY DAY RALLIES CELEBRATE UNITY; LABOR UNIONS AND IMMIGRANTS PLAN TO MARCH SIDE BY SIDE

http://www.democracynow.org/2011/4/29/may_day_rallies_celebrate_unity_labor

Excellent program on Democracy Now!, April 29, 2011.  Read (or listen to) the whole thing.  Juan Gonzalez and Amy Goodman interview Clarence Thomas, member of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 10 in San Francisco–”The local has a history of shutting down the ports of Oakland and San Francisco in protest, most recently on April 4th in solidarity with workers in Wisconsin;” and Christine Neumann-Ortiz, director of Voces de la Frontera, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin–”On May 1, 2006, she was key organizer behind the 70,000-strong march in Milwaukee.”

HERE ARE A FEW HIGHLIGHTS:

Juan Gonzalez:  “The immigrant rights movement has in essence resuscitated May Day and now is building closer ties with the organized labor movement. . . . immigrants have continually renewed the radicalism and the fighting capacity of the American labor movement.”

Clarence Thomas:  “So many of our younger members in the trade union movement have very little knowledge about May Day. They associate it with countries overseas celebrating International Workers’ Day, [but] it started here in the United States with the fight to establish the eight-hour workday and to eliminate child labor exploitation. . . . we believe that solidarity is not an empty slogan. Solidarity means making a sacrifice. And on April 4th [anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.] our members did not go to work. We did not get paid. And for 24 hours, international commerce was shut down. And we believe that more unions need to do the same. . . . [Immigrants] are the most exploited sector of the trade union movement. And as such, the issues that they face have to do with the fundamental rights of workers. . . . The labor movement is very small, when you talk about the percentage of workers that are represented by a union. The overwhelming majority of workers don’t belong to a union, so that the labor movement has the responsibility for charting a course for all workers. That’s why it’s so important that this year that we’re going to have a united May Day action.”

Christine Neumann-Ortiz:  “[The May Day mobilization] has always been supported by labor and has had a greater diversity each and every year. But this year, because of the attacks on public employees, like teachers, we know that, you know, there’s a level of support and mutual support. And that’s really what is historic about this march, is these movements coming together at a scale that hasn’t been seen before. . . . [Governor Walker's] budget is also an attack on immigrant rights and poor people.  In terms of immigrant rights, one of the biggest threats that’s pending, you know, in the budget is the repeal of in-state tuition rights for immigrant youth that was won in 2009, as well as the institutionalization of discrimination against legal immigrants, low-income families that would be denied access to food stamps or healthcare because they’re non-U.S. citizens, as part of this broader attack on poor people’s access and privatization of the public sector, like public education and so forth.  But one of the biggest things that’s motivating the Latino and immigrant community as part of this broader platform that we have is that there’s a pending Arizona copycat bill that’s being circulated in the state legislature . . . we’ve had a number of unions, maybe now close to 10, including the South Central Federation of Labor, that have passed resolutions rejecting this bill and also asking for—or building for May 1st.”

TxLAW note:  Sunday, May 1, San Antonio holds its Gran Marcha por los Derechos del Migrante on May Day–El Dia del Trabajo.  See http://txlaboragainstwar.org/2011/04/20/san-antonio-march-on-may-day/

And in Houston, also:  http://txlaboragainstwar.org/2011/04/30/houston-may-day-march-for-immigrants-and-working-families/

GRAN MARCHA POR LOS DERECHOS DEL MIGRANTE

GRAND MARCH FOR MIGRANT RIGHTS on INTERNATIONAL WORKERS DAY

front of San Fernando Cathedral

Sunday, May 1, 10 am – 3 pm

More info:  ph (210) 378-5132 o (210) 299-2666, Email- [email protected]

*NUESTRAS DEMANDAS*  — Alto a las Redadas y Deportaciones; Reunificacion de Familias; Reforma Migratoria Justa; Paz y Justicia en la Frontera; Derechos Universales para Tod@s; Alto a los Caza Migrantes; Salarios Sustentables; Dream Act Ahora; No al Racismo y Descriminacion

*DEMANDS* — Stop Raids and Deportations; Reunification of Families; Just Immigration Reform; Peace and Justice on the Border; Universal Rights for Migrants; No Border Wall; Living Wages; Dream Act Now; No to Racism and Discrimination

http://nuevaraza.wordpress.com/2011/04/18/san-anto-workers-day-and-the-grand-march-for-migrant-workers-rights-may-1/

https://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=184281831594976

Joint resolution for International Workers’ Day (Labor organizations of Iran)

Written by Saeed Valadbaygi Editor’s Choice, Videos, Workers’ Rights Apr 27, 2010

Link to the video at http://www.astreetjournalist.com/2010/04/27/joint-resolution-for-international-workers-day-labor-organizations-of-iran-2/

May 1st is the day of international solidarity of the working class and a day for laborers to protest global poverty and inequality. On this day millions of workers around the world stop working, to conquer the streets and show their anger and disgust with the announcement of the numerous disasters that capitalism has inflicted on humanity, and scream for liberation from oppression and exploitation.

Resounding protest against the hardship of capitalism and inequality of workers will be heard all around the world on May 1st while prohibition of celebration of this day in Iran is in effect, and many organizing workers of the May 1388/2009 event have been convicted  and imprisoned and subjected to heavy sentences. Labor leaders and activists and are languishing in prison for defending their basic human rights.

Imposing such appalling lack of social rights for workers in conditions that in three decades of a capitalist system in Iran after the 1957 (1979) revolution, has reduced the minimum wage to a quarter below the poverty line and lack of timely payment of these wages and the firing of masses of workers, temporary contracts, have imposed hellish conditions on millions of workers families. Today more than ever to ensure the profitability of capital, factories are closed and subsidies cut in determination to cut the last threads of survival for millions of worker families and pour them into the pockets of investors.

But as we workers showed in the 1957 revolution as well as in recent years, we will not tolerate this misery and despite prison and repression will stand ahead with the people against violation of our most basic human rights and will not allow them to ruin our existence more. We are the main producers of all wealth and products in society and are entitled to human life in accordance with the highest standards of human life today.

In this context we also protest against circumstances since last Labor Day , since the masses in Iran have been exposed to suppression of their rights. We make the following demands and with immediate effect:

1 – We are free to act – independent of the government and our employers -to strike, protest, march, assemble and speak freely. This is our right and must be unconditional in recognition of the social rights of workers and the people of Iran.

2 – We see the plan to cut subsidies (by targeted subsidies) and the minimum wage of 303 Tomans as a gradual imposition of death of millions of working class families and demand immediate suspension of plans to cut subsidies and increase the minimum wage to one million Tomans.

3 – Workers wages in arrears are to be paid immediately and with no excuses. Non-payment should be prosecuted as a crime and damages caused to the workers must be paid for.

4 – The Dismissal of Workers by any excuse must be stopped and those who are unemployed or have attained the age of employment and are prepared to work must be given suitable unemployment insurance until employed.

5 – We want to eliminate temporary contracts and the signing of blank contracts and demand employment security for all workers and wage recipients in accordance with the highest standards of health and safety. We ask for the elimination of state governed environments from all facilities.

6 – We demand the eradication of the death penalty and the immediate and unconditional release of Ebrahim Madadi, Mansour Osanloo, Ali Nejati and all labor activists and other social movements and protestors from prison and a stop to the persecution against them.

7 – We condemn any aggression towards protest against violation of our rights and view this type of freedom expression as an irredeemable right of the public.

8 – We want to eradicate all laws that are discriminatory to women and to ensure full equality and the unconditional rights of women and men in all areas of social, economic, political, cultural and family life.

9 – We want all pensioners to enjoy a prosperous life without economic concern and to eliminate any discrimination in the payment of retirement pensions and benefits from their social security and health care.

10 – Child labor must be eradicated and all children must be entitled to educational facilities, health and welfare, independent of gender and race, religion, or social and economic status of their parents.

11 – We hereby announce our support for all liberal social movements, and strongly condemn arrest, trial and imprisonment of activists of any movement.

12 – We also announced strong support for the demands of teachers, nurses and other working classes of society and united with them, want to achieve their immediate demands

13 – We are part of the world’s workers and strongly condemn the dismissal and imposition of any discrimination of Afghan migrant workers and other nationalities.

14 – We appreciate all the support from international workers in and strongly support the protests and demands of workers worldwide and are united with them more than ever with emphasis on international solidarity of workers to escape the capitalist system.

15 – May 1st must be declared an official holiday in the country and included in the official calendar and any restrictions regarding recognition of the anniversary of this day will be abolished.

Long Live May 1st

Long live the international solidarity of workers

May 1, 2010

Ordibehesht 11, 1389

Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company

Syndicate of Workers of Haft Tappeh Sugar Cane Company

Liberties Union of Workers

Staff of Open Metalwork and Mechanics Union

Inaugurated Board of the Syndicate of Painters

Association of Kermanshah Electrical Workers and Metalworks

Committee in Pursuit of Free trade Associations

Coordination Committee for the Creation of  Labor Organizations

Association for the Defense of Dismissed and Unemployed Turpentine Workers

Women’s Council

Translated by Street Journalist

Reprinted from Street Journalist, http://www.astreetjournalist.com/



Come celebrate with us on May Day, International Workers Day–Saturday, May 1.  Celebrated all over the world as labor day, May Day started in the U.S. in Chicago in 1886 during the fight for the 8-hour day.  Immigrant workers know about “los martires de Chicago”–the Chicago martyrs, unionists who were executed on trumped-up charges of fomenting the Haymarket “riot” in 1886.  We need to reclaim May Day as the real Labor Day, a day of struggle, and we thank immigrants for making this holiday big in the U.S. again.

Sponsored by the Austin Immigrant Rights Coalition.  Speakers, music, entertainment.  One of the scheduled speakers is Linda Chavez-Thompson, former vice president of the AFL-CIO and candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Texas.  Let’s have a union contingent in the march!

For more information, call 512-687-4035.  AIRC office 512-476-2472.  Email at [email protected]  Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=110615618971779&index=1

Meet at the Capitol (Austin, TX) at 4:30 pm May 1, 2008. March starts at 5:30 and ends at City Hall. There will be programs at both ends with international and local speakers, in Spanish and English (including an anti-war speaker), music, and theater.

Celebrate May Day, International Workers Day! This holiday started in the U.S. in 1886 and is celebrated all over the world except in the U.S. Thanks to immigrant workers for bringing it back to us!

MARCH AND RALLY FOR IMMIGRANT RIGHTS

Honor International Workers’ Day by demanding just immigration reform!!

May 1, 2008
Meet at the South Steps at Capitol- Austin TX Rally: 4:30 p.m. March: 5:30pm

We Demand:
•FULL Respect, Dignity, and Equality for all
Immigrants and their families!
•ICE out of Travis County Jail!
•STOP the construction of the border wall!
•END the detention & deportation of our families!

If you would like to participate, help, or for more information, contact the Austin Immigrant Rights Coalition: tel: 524-2012 email: [email protected]

Sponsored by: Austin Immigrant Rights Coalition, AFSC-Austin, Catholic Charities Office of Immigrant Concerns, Cristo Rey Church, Grassroots Leadership, Political Asylum Project of Austin, Workers Defense Project, ALLGO, Movimiento Estudiantil Chican@ de Aztlan, International Socialist Organization, People Organized in Defense of Earth and her Resources (PODER), Student Farmworker Alliance, LULAC Civil Rights Commission, Texans United For Families, Resistencia Book Store, Monkey Wrench Books, Alberto Garcia Law Office, Garcia and True LLP, Inmigrantes Latinos en Acción, Movement for a Democratic Society, Texas Jail Project, Texas Labor Against the War, Texas Civil Rights Project, Palestine Solidarity Committee, Austin Center for Peace and Justice, CodePink, Campaign to End the Death Penalty, Green Party, Ten Thousand Villages