May Day is about solidarity...let's show some in Albuquerque

marjorie says...

Growing up in East Texas in a non-union family, “May Day” for me was all about skipping around the pagan maypole (my very Christian upbringing notwithstanding). Imagine my surprise when I found out as an adult that May 1 is celebrated around the world as the International Day of the Worker, and that its origins are right here in the U.S.

It began in the late 1800’s as a day of action by the U.S. labor movement to achieve an 8-hour work day and it became an international day of action when the world labor movement rallied in support of the anarchists framed and executed in the Haymarket Square travesty of 1886.

It continues to be observed as a day to affirm solidarity and labor unity throughout the world…while all but forgotten where it started, right here. Now that's a travesty.

The history I linked above sums up by noting that “… May Day is embraced by millions of workers in every country of the world as a day to raise its class demands. Its strength has been in raising demands not just of workers in a particular factory or industry, but of the working class as a whole. The demands of May Day-for the eight-hour day, for unity against racism and national chauvinism, against imperialist war-are demands of the working class against the entire capitalist class.”

I like that statement because the radical labor movement has always been about more than just winning improved working conditions…it’s always been about true social transformation toward equality and justice.

And in the U.S., labor struggles that have advanced our collective standard of living have always been energized and radicalized by waves of immigrants. This is why it is so appropriate that May 1, 2006 has been chosen as a national day of action in support of immigrant communities in this country.

It would be hard for any of us to have escaped noticing the current period of unrest regarding immigration. The fruits of the global "free trade" regime (which is pushed tooth and nail by, well, our government) are beginning to ripen...and we see increased labor flows between countries as working people seek out ways to support themselves and their families.

In the U.S this has meant a new period of increased immigration as people from all over the world come here...after all, we are the land of opportunity, right? This isn't something we haven't seen before. And the heightened reactionary jingoism we see in response isn't new either. This is why it is so important for progressives, liberals, radicals...for all of us to take a stand for human rights and show solidarity with immigrants to this country.

Here in Albuquerque there are activities planned (see below) that are worthy of our participation and support. Its been a long while since we’ve seen such energy on May Day and for this girl it’s a very welcome development…not to mention, well, pretty darn historic. Hope to see you all there.

ALBUQUERQUE!

IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE NATIONAL CALL FOR ACTION FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM AND INTERNATIONAL WORKERS’ DAY

PEACEFUL MARCH - MONDAY, May 1

3:00-5:00- TIGUEX PARK (Mountain/18th) for information, live music and fun for the whole family. As it is a no purchase day, take a picnic lunch for your family.

5:00— Peaceful march from the park to the Civic Plaza (3rd/Tijeras) and then march back to park. To show that we are a unified community we will wear white or a white ribbon on May 1st and will carry white flags instead of national flags.

ATTENTION WORKER/STUDENT: If you decide to participate in the national strike and you have questions about your rights, call us.

For more information, El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos al 246-1627 or go to: www.swop.net and click on SWOPblogger.

Co-sponsors: Southwest Organizing Project, Southwest Network for Economic and Environmental Justice, Community Health Partnership, Partido La Raza Unida.

Supporting organizations: ACORN, Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice, Archdiocese of SF, Center for Economic Justice, East Central Ministries, El Centro de Igualdad y Derechos, Grey Panthers, Kalpulli Izkalli