3 Reasons To Protest On May Day
May 1st is "May Day" also known as "International Workers Day". Today activists, union leaders and workers will participate in Gerneral Strikes, Rallies and Demonstrations in more than 135 U.S. cities. Including one right here in Buffalo, NY.
The May 1 Coalition says: “It’s a day to recognize the value of our work, and the power we have to collectively change our working conditions and our world.” There are three great reasons for workers in America to feel over worked and under-compensated. Just look at these charts.
The 99% Movement brings May Day to the United States today. It’s true that the 99 percent make up the majority of workers in all the industries for which America is known. Farming, manufacturing, and transportation, to name just a few, wouldn't survive without the working people who carry the burden of productivity in those fields. But rewarding those workers is a different question.
May Day aims to bring attention to these sad truths about the American workforce:
1. The 99 percent are extremely productive workers, but aren't compensated for their productivity.
2. Corporations don’t notice income inequality, but workers sure do!
3. Workers who don’t organize are getting the short end of the stick.
While productivity goes up and wages stay flat, the middle class sees itself shrinking. This income inequality is in direct correlation to union participation. As union membership falls, the middle class shrinks.
The largest U.S. protest is happening at Union Square, Manhattan, NY as the May 1 Coalition joins forces with the Occupy Wall Street Movement. Their agenda includes:
STOP THE DEPORTATIONS
JUSTICE FOR TRAYVON MARTIN
END RACISM
TELL THE SUPREME COURT: STOP ARIZONA’S SB1070
JUSTICE FOR TRAYVON MARTIN
END RACISM
TELL THE SUPREME COURT: STOP ARIZONA’S SB1070
May Day Protestors right here in Buffalo will gather in front of City Hall 65 Niagara Square with a performance from the Subversive Theater. Local speakers representing working mothers, small business owners, healthcare workers, unions, and community organizations will address the crowd.
Check out the May Day Buffalo Event Page
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