News and Views from the People's Struggle
Fort Lauderdale, FL – On May 1 over a dozen people gathered in front of the U.S. Federal Building in downtown Fort Lauderdale to commemorate International Workers Day. Despite steady rain, protesters held banners reading, “May Day South Florida,” and “Money for jobs and education, not wars and occupation!” on the corner of a busy intersection.
Los Angeles, CA – The Southern California Immigration Coalition (SCIC) led a militant political march and rally in the heart of Los Angeles, May 1, with thousands of garment workers, students and a contingent from Occupy LA. The event was a political protest against the U.S. ICE/police deportations. The clear demand was for legalization for all. The majority of marchers were Latino wearing red shirts and carrying flags from Central America, Latin America, Mexico and the red flag of Aztlan. Many of the speakers expressed an anti-war and pro-worker view in support for people of the world who fight against the U.S. empire. Other May 1 events in L.A. were more like celebrations with music concerts – many wearing white with U.S. flags.
Tampa, FL – On May 1, a large crowd gathered during a rain storm to demand legalization for all undocumented people and overall genuine immigration reform. May Day, or International Workers' Day, traditionally has been a day for demanding workers' rights. In recent years, it has been a day for Latinos, immigrants and allies to demand legalization and full equality.
Minneapolis, MN – “All 1500 people marching for immigrant rights here, May 1, heard about the case of Carlos Montes,” stated Jess Sundin of the Minnesota Committee to Stop FBI Repression.
Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from the Political Bureau of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)
Minneapolis, MN – More than 1500 people marched on Lake Street for immigrant and workers rights here on May 1, International Workers Day. Organized by the May 1st Coalition and initiated by the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAc), the march focused on legalization for undocumented immigrants, ending deportations and support for workers and their unions. The march had the support of the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation (AFL-CIO), most immigrant rights groups in the city and many Latino student groups from nearby colleges and high schools.
Los Angeles, CA – Thousands of protesters took to the streets here on May 1, International Workers Day, to demand legalization for all. The protest, organized by Southern California Immigration Coalition, was the largest Los Angeles May Day event. The mostly Chicano/Latino crowd was made up of students, teachers, vendors, garment workers, parents and activists from all the progressive movements, including the Occupy movement. Participants and supporters of the demonstration included the United Teachers Los Angeles, International Action Center, Union Del Barrio, Bayan USA, FMLN, FSLN, L.A. Committee to Stop FBI Repression, Mecha and others.
Chicago, IL – About 3000 people marched here, May 1, to celebrate International Workers Day. The biggest contingents were from Occupy Chicago and the immigrant rights movement.
Fight Back News Service is reprinting the speech of Mick Kelly, a leader of Freedom Road Socialist Organization, delivered at the FRSO-organized May Day celebration, April 27.
Minneapolis, MN – About 90 people gathered here, April 28, for a May Day program and dinner organized by Freedom Road Socialist Organization. Speakers included prominent trade unionists and representatives of low-income, Occupy, student, anti-war and immigrant rights organizations.
Chicago, IL – Rallies and marches marked the celebration of International Workers Day in Chicago, starting at noon with a protest called by Jobs With Justice at a Walmart store in the suburb of Forest Park. Over 100 trade unionists gathered to expose the ongoing exploitation by Walmart of its workers and those in its supply chain around the world. The crowd cheered especially hard for Robert Hines from the Warehouse Workers for Justice when he spoke passionately about the struggle of his co-workers for dignity and respect. Warehouse Workers for Justice was founded by the United Electrical Workers (UE) after the successful plant occupation at Republic Windows and Doors in December, 2008.
Dallas, TX – About 80 activists, union members and socialists came together to celebrate May Day with a call for respect for the rights of workers and immigrants.
St. Paul, MN – More than 500 people braved frigid temperatures and gusty winds to march from the Cathedral to the Minnesota State Capitol for International Workers Day. The marchers united around demands to stop to the attacks on immigrants, workers and unions that are coming from the State Legislature.
Milwaukee, WI – Tens of thousands marched here, May 1, in the Wisconsin Solidarity March for Immigrant and Worker Rights. Sponsored by Voces de la Frontera, the march wove through Milwaukee's south side up through downtown. Richard Trumka, President of the AFL-CIO, spoke at the rally, urging the immigrant rights and labor movements to unite to fight a common enemy, one that's brought an immense attack on public sector unions and is also attacking immigrants.
_Long live the fighting spirit of the Wisconsin working class! _
We honour and celebrate May Day 2011 at a crucial period. At a period of aggressive imperialism, anti-labour policies and at a time when the global capitalist system is in a deep and multifaceted economic crisis of the system itself. This crisis is expressed in all sectors: in the economy, the environment, the quality of life, culture and climate change. Crises are in the DNA of capitalism and for this reason they come over and over again. It is impossible for capitalism to solve the problems of the peoples of the world.
_Unions, workers and immigrants will unite for International Workers Day _
St. Paul, MN – On May 1 workers, unions and immigrants will march together to the capitol in Saint Paul to demand justice for workers, to defend workers’ freedom to organize and to demand legalization and full equality for immigrant workers. The march will be held on the 125th anniversary of International Workers Day, or May Day.
Chicago, IL – 100,000 personas salieron en fuerza a marchar desde el Parque Unión hasta la Plaza Daley. Cada orador del programa denunció la ley de Arizona y la comparó al apartheid. Los jóvenes eran una parte importante de esta manifestación.
_Los participantes exigen legalización e igualdad, condenan a la ley racista y anti-inmigrante de Arizona _
Minneapolis, MN – El primero de mayo, casi 4,000 personas marcharon en las calles de Minneapolis a favor de los derechos de los inmigrantes y los derechos laborales. Una marcha empezó en el Parque Martin Luther King en el sur de Minneapolis hacia el centro. Mientras pasó la marcha por los barrios principalmente latinos y afroamericanos, más personas se unieron a la marcha en cada cuadra.
