2012 May Day protests

History

The first May Day protests originated in several countries throughout Europe including Stockholm, Madrid, London, Brussels, and Geneva in 1890. While the demand for an 8-hour workday was the primary concern that protesters were protesting for, other demands included improved working conditions, universal suffrage, peace among nations, and international solidarity. While it originally started as a labor movement in protest for improved wages and working conditions, protesters - who are primarily from working-class backgrounds - now demonstrate for celebratory purposes and tradition while many others do it to create change.

Over the decades, the May Day protests and demonstrations have expanded globally and internationally to other countries including Canada, Indonesia, and Taiwan. The protests are also a part of the Occupy Movement, a movement dedicated to protesting against capitalism and the corruption of corporations and to finding solidarity within labor unions and other activist groups.

North America

Canada

Protesters in Canada demonstrated to bring awareness about the impact that federal government budget cuts had on employment and job loss. The protest in Montreal also turned violent as more than 100 people were arrested during the protest.

United States

Protests were held from coast to coast in major cities including New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. Protests were often organized by Occupy movement. Turnout was lower than that of other countries because the protests were held on a work day.

• New York City – There were rallies protesting Wall Street, banks, and major institutions. A march to Bank of America was led by Occupy Wall Street.
• San Francisco – Protesters disrupted ferry service.
• Oakland, California – Protests were dispersed by police with the use of tear gas.
• Seattle - Protesters in Seattle, who primarily consisted of teens and young adults in their early 20s, demonstrated to call the end to capitalism. The protests in Seattle got violent as windows and glass panels were shattered and smoke bombs were set off.

Asia

Indonesia

Thousands of protesters marched through the capital demanding higher wages and better working conditions. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono responded by announcing a higher tax-free income ceiling and additional subsidized housing.

Philippines

Protesters gathered in Manila to demand higher wages and policies to prevent workers from termination.

Taiwan

Protesters in Taiwan marched through the streets of downtown Taiwan to demand for a number of things including higher wages, lower school tuition, and better conditions for foreign workers.

Europe

Sweden

Two different demonstrations were organized in Gothenburg, one by the Swedish Social Democratic Party with the Swedish Trade Union Confederation (Landsorganisationen) which attracted 2,450 participants, and a second organized by the Left Party which attracted 3,400 participants.

References

References

1. (1 May 2012). "May Day Rallies Draw Protesters Around World". VOA.
2. (2012-10-15). "May Day Demonstrations in Five European Countries". Mobilization: An International Quarterly.
3. Toscano, Paul. (2012-05-01). "The May Day 2012 Demonstrations". CNBC.
4. Smith, Aaron. "Occupy May Day goes global".
5. "May Day draws rallies, protests across Canada". CBC News.
6. FARNHAM, ALAN. (1 May 2012). "2012 'May Day' Protests From Coast to Coast". ABC News.
7. Dobnik, Verena. (2 May 2012). "May Day protest in NYC brings confrontations". [[Deseret News]].
8. Sushman, Bernard. (1 May 2012). "Marches, Sit-Ins Mark May Day in New York". VOA.
9. Fedynsky, Peter. (1 May 2012). "Occupy's May Day on the Streets". VOA.
10. (2 May 2012). "Stinging gas sends May Day protesters fleeing". CBS News.
11. "May Day protests turn violent in downtown Seattle". Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
12. Lamb, Kate. (1 May 2012). "Indonesian Laborers Demand Bigger Share of Profits". VOA.
13. Taylor, Alan. "May Day Around the World". The Atlantic.
14. (2012-05-01). "Workers demand pay hikes at Asia's May Day marches". NewsOK.com.
15. Peterson, Abby. (2016). ""The Context of Contempoary May Day Celebrations in Six European Cities" in The Ritual of May Day in Western Europe: Past, Present and Future". Routledge.