Hundreds march in Minneapolis on International Workers Day
Minneapolis, MN – On May 1, International Workers Day, approximately 500 people marched in support of immigrant workers, unions and indigenous sovereignty, in the East Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis.
On a very windy day, hundreds gathered together in front of the Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Education Center, where just over a year ago the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers were striking. The crowd listened to speakers including Rachel Thunder from the American Indian Movement, William Martinez of the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee, Greg King of the Interfaith Coalition on Immigration, and Marcia Howard of the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers.
Alex Provan of the University of Minnesota Grad Labor Union-United Electrical spoke about the fight for a union for graduate student workers. This group has been attempting to unionize since 1974, and finally after four attempts, just this past week 97% of workers voted yes, creating a new 4000-member union in Minnesota.
For the second part of the May Day rally, the group took to the streets for a march. From the bed of a white truck, a young woman yelled into the microphone, “There is only one solution.” The crowds of people following the truck respond in unison, “Workers lead the revolution!” Another chant was, “What do we want? Legalization for all! When do we want it? Now!” An energized group marched through the streets receiving much support for neighbors and those driving by.
The march ended at the Roof Depot site, where indigenous residents of Little Earth, other East Phillips neighborhood residents and local activists have been fighting against the demolition of a site that would have severe environmental impacts in the diverse and already heavily polluted neighborhood. Speakers from Little Earth and the Climate Justice Committee spoke in solidarity with the indigenous and East Phillips people’s struggle to gain community control of this site.
Other speakers included UPS worker and Teamster Shane Clune, who talked about a possible nationwide UPS strike this summer, Sue Sami, a Cub Foods worker and member of UFCW Local 663, Toshira Garraway of Families Supporting Families Against Police Violence, and spoken word artist Brandyn Tulloch. The rally was closed out by Vinnie Dion doing the anthem of the American Indian Movement.
This year’s International Workers Day March was initiated by the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) and Minnesota Workers United (MWU). A coalition of more than 30 immigrant rights organizations, unions and social justice organizations help to organize it.