This week’s blog asks you to explore contemporary May Day traditions worldwide and requires you to evaluate the role of the labor movement in the modern world.
Introduction:
May Day, also known as International Worker’s Day, is an international day of activism for working people and their families. The origins of May Day can be traced to the national strike movement for an 8 hour work day which gained momentum in the industrial American cities in 1886. In particular, the Chicago strike received national attention as a movement of nearly 35,000 strikers from April 25- May 3 escalated into a riot, resulting in the deaths of three workers. Seeking revenge for what many workers believed to be police brutality (blaming riot police for the escalation of the violence at the Haymarket Square demonstration), strikers continued demonstrating- one angered radical threw a bomb at the police, killing a uniformed officer. While no individual was ever directly linked through evidence to that death, five union organizers were tired, convicted of and received capital (death) sentences for the officer’s murder. Public uproar over the (mis) trial continued and American workers have conducted annual protests on May 1st ever since. In1893, Governor John Peter Altgeld granted the three imprisoned Haymarket defendants (one of them committed suicide in prison) absolute pardon, citing the lack of evidence against them and the unfairness of the trial.
While the immediate result of the Haymarket Affair can be viewed as a mixed result for the labor movement, the protestors work was not in vain. Unions in the mining, railroad worker’s and building trades industries successfully negotiated an eight hour work day by 1890. The Fair Labor Standards Act established the eight hour workday as a federal labor regulation in 1938 as part of FDR’s New Deal reforms.
Inspired by the success of the American labor movements as publicized by the London and New York Times, Mexico and France honored Mayday in 1890 and the movement spread on a global scale ever since. National Labour Day, as it is called in the UK, Austrialia New Zeland, have become particularly popular among workers rights activists since the anti-globalization movement emerged in 1999. While many of the protests have been peaceful demonstrations, there have also been multiple incidents of escalation on both the activists’ and police/ governments’ behalf.
Directions:
1. Actively view the photo essay “May Day” in the TIME Magazine Europe archive: http://www.time.com/time/europe/photoessays/mayday/
And ONE of the following articles on how May Day is honored abroad:
South Korea:
http://mayday.nodong.net/2000/laborday/khistorye.htm
Cuba:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7377662.stm/
Germany:
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/090429/business/finance_economy_germany_demo_mayday
Mexico: http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=33059
Australia: http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/australia/labour-day
Response:
While the immediate result of the Haymarket Affair can be viewed as a mixed result for the labor movement, the protestors work was not in vain. Unions in the mining, railroad worker’s and building trades industries successfully negotiated an eight hour work day by 1890. The Fair Labor Standards Act established the eight hour workday as a federal labor regulation in 1938 as part of FDR’s New Deal reforms.
Inspired by the success of the American labor movements as publicized by the London and New York Times, Mexico and France honored Mayday in 1890 and the movement spread on a global scale ever since. National Labour Day, as it is called in the UK, Austrialia New Zeland, have become particularly popular among workers rights activists since the anti-globalization movement emerged in 1999. While many of the protests have been peaceful demonstrations, there have also been multiple incidents of escalation on both the activists’ and police/ governments’ behalf.
Directions:
1. Actively view the photo essay “May Day” in the TIME Magazine Europe archive: http://www.time.com/time/europe/photoessays/mayday/
And ONE of the following articles on how May Day is honored abroad:
South Korea:
http://mayday.nodong.net/2000/laborday/khistorye.htm
Cuba:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7377662.stm/
Germany:
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/090429/business/finance_economy_germany_demo_mayday
Mexico: http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=33059
Australia: http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/australia/labour-day
Response:
- Summarize what you learned about May Day/ International Worker’s Day from the sources. How do the issues you read about relate to what we are learning in class about globalization and/ or trade regulations and the WTO? Provide at least two examples of specific topics we have covered in class or that may have come up in your project.
- In your view, should the US adopt May Day/ International Worker’s Day as a federal holiday as it is in Spain and Australia? Explain.
your post should be a minimum of 250 words. Due Friday, May 1 - MAYDAY!
Justin Lefkowitz
ReplyDeleteC Block
May 1st, International Workers' Day, also known as May Day, commemorates the struggle of working class people and their families throughout the world. On this day, there are often parades and/or riots, depending on where one is located. Parades are held to commemorate the win against the tough workplace conditions and riots are held so that people could spread the message that working rights still need to be created.
May Day was said to have originated back in the 1880s in the United States, when workers all over the country started a movement to lower the amount of hours one should work in a day. The original amount of hours was ten-twelve per day, but the workers wanted to make it eight for quite some time.
In October 1884, a convention held by the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions unanimously set May 1, 1886, as the date by which the eight-hour work day would become standard. When May 1, 1886 approached, American labor unions prepared for a general strike in support of the eight-hour day.
The Haymarket Riots began as a result of the demand to lower the hours in an average work day. The Haymarket Riots took place on May 4 1886, although everything was planned to start on May Day of that year. The Haymarket Riots were one of many demonstrations that took place from April 25 1886 till May 4.
The Fair Labor Standards Act established the eight hour workday as a federal labor regulation in 1938 as part of FDR’s New Deal reforms.
It is sort of ironic that the May Day Riots took place in the United States. Although the United States might have had riots for May Day, we are actually one of the few countries who do not celebrate it as a holiday. The U.S., Canada, and South Africa are some of the few countries that choose to not celebrate this day.
In the countries that do celebrate May Day annually, people take to the streets and hold demonstrations for everyone to pay attention to. According to the Photo Essay in the TIME Magazine Europe archive, the May Day of 2001 was pretty extreme for many European countries. In London, England, many protestors gathered together to protest against global capitalism and environmental problems. In St. Petersburg, Russia, many underemployed citizens gathered and demanded higher wages and more social guarantees amid nostalgia for Soviet times.
This year, Germany has been getting ready for some of the fiercest protests they have seen since WWII, on May Day. According to the article on Yahoo! News Canada’s website, an estimated 50,000 jobs are being lost monthly in Germany. The German government is looking forward to the reaction of the people this May Day because they want to hear from the people, what they should improve on. The German government is also getting ready for the worst case scenario. On this May Day, the Police in Berlin are planning to deploy 5,000 officers to keep the protesters in line. According to the organizers of the demonstrations, around 15,000 people will attend the protests.
What is happening in Germany is almost like what we have been learning about in class about China. After China received admittance into the WTO, many people lost their jobs. The government also lost a lot of money. The only reason why there are not as many riots there, as there are in Germany is because the people of China have been living under a Communist regime for quite some time. This is all new to the people of China. They are now just hoping for the best. If things don’t heel soon enough, the people of China might take part in next year’s May Day Riots.
The United States should not adopt May Day as a federal holiday. Celebration over an eight-hour work day isn’t really worth getting that extra day off. Why not make another day a federal holiday? How about Pearl Harbor Day or September 11th Day? If we are going to honor a day of remembrance, why not make it for something that has a larger impact? Another reason why May 1st should not be a federal holiday is because we already have Labor Day, a holiday/day-off to honor those who work every day.
May 1st, also known as May Day in many nations is a form of labour holiday, which commemorates the struggle for fair working conditions in all nations that celebrate. Ironically, May Day originated in the United States in the late 1800's when strike movements for 8 hour work days gained momentum. These 8 hour work days were supposed to be a big relief to all, especially industrial workers, who prior worked shifts lasting up to 16 or 18 hours. Riots ensued as workers fought for fair work hours and conditions, and most trade unions regulated 8 hour work days by 1890. A federal law regarding the 8 hour work day wasn't passed until 1938, however.
ReplyDeleteThe modern May Day is not celebrated by the United States as a federal holiday, we have our own Labour Day in September. Even though having a day off at the beginning of May seems like a nice idea, what are we really going to be celebrating? The meaning of the holiday would just be lost and it'd be "another pointless day off" after a while. The modern May Day seems like a very socialist holiday, where equality for all is strived for to the fullest, such as in nations like Australia. Australia's May Day has also been around since the late 1800's. The first May Day marches/protests were carried out on May 1st 1891, but the date was since moved from May to March in some parts of Australia, and the 8 hour work day was fully granted to Western Australia in 1948.
Australia has a stable economy, and is a member nation of the WTO. Not much has changed in this nation since it's admittance to the WTO, unlike China, where the whole social structure of the nation is being undermined by this new trade organisation. The rising middle class in China just goes to show how far Communism can really get before having to change for the benefit of the nation.
Mariel Elia <3
ReplyDeleteMay day is a international Labor Day celebrating the labor movement. In Europe, the labor movement began during the industrial revolution, when agricultural jobs declined and employment moved to more industrial areas. Many different countries celebrate this holiday differently. In Ireland, a feast celebrates May Day and bonfires are lit to mark the coming of summer and to banish the long nights of winter. In the United Kingdom it’s celebrated at midnight on May.1st. In England there are many different ways they celebrate it. It involves Morris dancing which is a English folk dancing, crowning of a May Queen, and the decoration of the May pole. It’s not only about the holiday; it’s about the commemoration of the hard working people all over the world. People all over work and do what they have to do to support themselves and their families. Police was involved in a May Day riot. One uniformed police officer was killed and five men were blamed. With lack of evident the five union organizers were tired, convicted and received death sentences. In class, we are learning about the World Trade Organization. Trading impacts many people all over the word. People are loosing jobs and some are gaining jobs. I learned that it depends on the market and what the consumers are buying. For example, in a small part of Mexico the only resource is coffee beans. That crop value affects the people of the town because if that doesn’t sell there are no alternatives. While looking the photo journal on TimeEurope.com, it shows that May Day is a very valued holiday those who work hard and value the little things in life. I think that the US should make May Day into a federal holiday because there are so many hard workers in America. Since the recession, people have been slaving to keep their jobs. I feel bad for the people who have families to support and their job is on the line. We should celebrate these hard working people because they deserve it. Labor day isn’t celebrated like it is in other countries but the meaning behind it beholds a very interesting story. A story that should be shared and celebrated, that’s why it should become a holiday that actually has meaning behind it.
Celebrating the eight our work day is huge in other countries. Many people actually have the day off. Although, this holiday may sound cool for union workers, it resulted in the deaths of many lives. According to the photo essay, people in Berlin were hit the hardest. During protesting, the police water cannoned protesters. Protesters were also arrested for, sometimes, no reason. In many regions of the world there was nothing but chaos on the streets. People from both sides, police and protesters, were even killed. In Australia May Day recognizes worker’s contributions towards the nation’s economy. On this day workers take the day off as a long weekend. They stay home relax and just enjoy the day off. In Queensland’s capital city of Brisbane there are marches held led by political leaders and influential key figures. So, this day may be peaceful, but that march can get out of hand, in my opinion. The US should not adopt May Day/ International worker’s Day. The US does not need another day off. Although, I appreciate the hard working union people, they have numerous days to take off and be merry. I don’t believe any country has as many holidays as the US. Besides, I would probably have to go to school that day. :)
ReplyDeleteCherricka
I am truly impressed at the diversity of opinions here and that you all expressed more than the " another day off would be great" mentality that less-sophisticated students may have promoted! Still, theres room for all opinions here. Looking forwards to reading more.
ReplyDeleteJustin - E
Mariel - G+
Ashley - E
Cherrika - G+
In the article, “Germany readies for fiery May Day protests,” the author discuses the current state of Germany’s economy. The article talks about how unemployment has soared to about 50,000 jobs a month. The mass unemployment will lead to “social unrest.” “The last time that Germany's economy suffered such a slump was in the Great Depression of the 1930s, a period that brought the Nazis to power and led to World War II.” The German government is expecting violence on May-Day do to public anger and financial crisis. "When French workers are angry they lock up their managers. I would like to see that happen here too, so that they notice there is anger out there, that people are scared about their livelihoods," Lafontaine said. The people of Germany seem to be angry with the C.E.O’s and mangers because of financial decline.
ReplyDeleteGermany membership to the World Trade Organization and China’s joining of the WTO really do not have that much in common. Except when they joined/join the WTO they needed some serious economic reform. Chinas whole controversy of joining was whether or not they were they willing to change and liberalize their market. Germany has one of the largest economies in the world, and China’s potential for economic success is great. When China joins the WTO unemployment should increase.
anthony fontana
block c
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI emailed it to you
ReplyDeleteMay Day is a day of activism for the working community. Workers from all around the world come together as a group to collectively air grievances that they might have. Conflicts, such as low wages, unemployment, and long hours bring these workers together in marches, rallies, protests, and sometimes riots. There has been a long quarrel between these protestors and police and government officials. While the government tries to lead the crowds peacefully, sometimes the disruption is so overwhelming that police are forced to use tear gas, rubber bullets, water hoses, or dogs to subdue the crowds. Protests are held annually for May Day in countries like the UK, Australia, and Russia. These workers march for equality, justice, and respect in their jobs.
ReplyDeleteGermany is currently being influenced by the worst recession in Europe since World War II. According to the article, social unrest has heightened in Germany. 50,000 jobs are being lost in Germany per month, which is a staggeringly high number. Some experts do not believe that violence is going to be a problem during the May Day rallies, but others believe that due to the recession and economic strife in Germany, there will be blood…or at least more violent protestors. Despite experts saying that May Day will not be as violent as the last, there are about 5,000 police officers who will attempt to keep the 15,000 protestors at bay.
May Day itself is an example of globalization. The Haymarket Affair actually happened in the United States, but caught the attention of other nations, who then adopted May Day. These protests reflect what we have learned about the WTO. Protests against the WTO are similar to those protested during May Day. Many say that the WTO has a complete disregard for humankind and the environment, and protests during May Day often have the same gist.
The United States should not have a May Day. Each holiday in the United States is already exploited. For example, Veterans Day is a national holiday celebrating those who have gone to war and who have died for this country. Amidst this celebration, places like Macy’s are having giant sales in honor of Veterans Day. People didn’t go into Vietnam or Korea only to have shopping sales in their honor. Also, protestors in the United States are very passionate. May Day protests and rallies are not going to go down quietly. Besides, we have Labor Day to look forward to. There are tons of sales that day, too.
Elizabeth Che - Block CMayday, a call for help, signifies the people's distress at their current situations and a plea for change; a fitting name for the International's Workers Day, May Day. TIME Europe presents the glorious yet shocking events which enthralls the viewers on the international level, specifically in England, Germany, Spain and Italy.
ReplyDeleteThere are mainly two possible turnouts on May Day, riot or non-violent demonstration. Organized gatherers march on the streets to advocate their cause and frustration be it against global capitalism and environmental problems in London and Berlin (anti-capitalist), higher wages and social guarantee in Russia or stable and secure jobs with rights in Seville.
In relation to class understandings of the WTO, the demand for change is left unanswered. as displayed by the continuous yearly protests. Although the World Trade Organization believes they are working for the interest of everyone, not all parties are being heard. Environmental issues for one is ignored in favor of increasing profits, as in the case of Malaysian fishermen using unsafe nets that harm endangered turtles. Consensus is how decisions are made, but formations within the WTO cause such a method to be unreasonable. As the article, The Battle In Seattle, quotes, "There's an Asian consensus that human rights should not be linked to trade" says economist M.G. Quibria. In a way, consensus is like the battle of gangs, whichever side with the most members wins. Logic wise, countries would not need to pay attention to one another unless they feel threatened by another's existence or is dependent on support. If WTO is preventing politics from entering the marketplace, countries would lose power over one another and no wanted change can occur, for better or worse.
The website, Labour Day in Australia commemorates the granting of the eight-hour working day for Australians and the recognition of worker contributions towards the nation's economy. Taking place on various dates, depending on territory, May Day in Australia is mainly a day extra to the weekends which could be spent towards relaxation (i.e. outdoor trips and picnics). The mid to late 1880s was strenuous on employees who work up to 12 hours a day and 6 days a week, such that change was needed. On April 21, 1856, stonemasons at the University of Melbourne proposed and advocated an eight-hour working day to the Parliament House. As the website continues, "In 1856 the new work regulations were recognized in New South Wales, followed by Queensland in 1858 and South Australia in 1873. In 1874, Tasmania joined the other states in adopting the shorter eight-hour working day." Ultimately, workers received better conditions and gained new rights in their careers.
In opposition, I don't agree with the US adopting International Worker's Day as a federal holiday because of its unnecessary complications. Allowing citizens to speak against the government and gather in large numbers would ultimately cause widespread chaos and havoc within the gathered area. People are often forgetful of their position and responsibilities when agitated, by allowing them such an opportunity, is just asking to spend more on security and cleanup. Police barricades and the use of force (via water hose) was depicted in the photo gallery of TIME Europe as well as angry demonstrators throwing rocks and setting bonfires, which shows the possibility of it being a reality if May Day were to occur in the United States.
May Day, also known as International Worker’s Day or Labour Day, is a way to commemorate the fight for the eight hour day. It dates back to the 1886 Haymarket affair, which began as a rally in support of striking workers, but ended in tragedy when police open fired and killed strikers. Today, May Day has become an international celebration of the achievements of the labor movement. It is often used as a day for political protest or protests against government actions.
ReplyDeleteIn London, protestors used May Day to protest against global capitalism and environmental problems. Similarly, Berlin protested against a ban of and anticapitalist demonstration. Under communist Soviet Union, May Day was used as a celebration. Today, the military parade is used as a place for the underemployed to demand higher wages. May Day parades in Spain are also demanding, “a stable, secure job with rights.”
This year Germany prepared for its biggest May Day protest in years. Every month, about 50,000 jobs are being lost in Germany and the government estimates that it will increase by 5 percent this year. The last time Germany suffered “such a slump” was in the Great Depression. Many people are facing loss of working hours or laying off completely.
The government is uncertain whether or not this will result in a massive street protest, but head of Germany’s DGB federation of German trade unions claims these layouts are a “declaration of war” by workers and unions. The government is going to take the reaction on May Day as a way to monitor what the government needs to do to help public anger. They estimate that there will be 10,000 to 15,000 protestors and 5,000 officers.
The loss of jobs in Germany is similar to a common topic we have covered in class. Recently in China, there has been a great amount of lost jobs due to China’s joining of the WTO. May Day should not become a federal holiday. Although it is a good idea to honor all of the hard workers in our country and those who fought for eight hour days, it would probably end up like other holidays whose meanings have been lost over years.
Karmila Saulong
ReplyDeleteBlock F
May Day also known as International Worker’s Day is celebrated on May first. On this day, many people hold rallies and parade through the streets to show support for workers.. In many countries, May Day is celebrated in many ways. In some regions, May Day is a parade to remember the fight for the eight hour work day. After the Haymarket incident during a strike; many people were killed and many innocent people were killed and given death sentences. This day, also commemorates those who were lost during a huge break out during a rally. In Korea, May Day was organized by the Chosun Confederation of Labor. The rally “demand[ed] the reduction of working hours, wage increases, and prevention of unemployment”. This was many a celebration against the Japanese imperialism. After much struggle, May Day was restored by workers in 1989, where rallies are held every year to celebrate International Workers Day and the resolving for independence, democracy, and solidarity. The issues around May Day relate to globalization and the WTO. Many people are fighting for higher wage, environmental protection, fighting underemployment, asking for social guarantees. The video about China and globalization is a great example of unemployment and the fight for higher wage. Many people around the world receive little or no money. Also, the employment rate is many regions of the world are extremely low. May Day is a day to help workers to fight for secured jobs and higher wages.
Although, I support the many workers and their causes, I do not believe America should adopt May Day as a federal holiday. America already has Labor Day. However, another loud parade where riots can happen isn’t what America needs. It has been reported that in many countries such as London, many acts of vandalism occurs on May Day. One way to avoid a situation like that is to not encourage people to celebrate a day where people will destroy businesses and stores just to get their message across.
In today’s world, there a specific day dedicated to activism for working people and their families. May Day, also known as International Worker’s Day, refers to the national strike movement for an eight-hour workday. In 1886, national attention was drawn to the state of Chicago. For nine days, from April 25-May 3, 35,000 workers created an extreme riot, resulting in the death of three workers. The Hay-Market Square Riot influenced a strong amount of police brutality. Seeking revenge for police brutality, strikers continued to riot for an eight-hour workday. However, one angry individual released a bomb amongst the crowd. The bomb ended up killing a police officer. There was no direct evidence that linked the crazy individual. However, five union organizers for the riot were tried and sentenced to death. Ever since that riot, every May 1, protestors continue too riot over the unfairness of the trials. Although the union organizers were sentenced to death, one committing suicide in prison, in 1893, Governor John Peter Altgeld pardoned the five union organizers due to the lack of evidence. Due to the Hay Market Riot, mining, railroads, and building industries gained eight-hour workdays by 1890. As a result of this accomplishment, the May Day movement spread across the globe. Ever since 1999, the Anti-globalization movement is popular amongst workers rights activists.
ReplyDeleteIn Oxford Circus, protestors gather for May Day in the streets of central day. Police constantly state that the protestors were very well organized. Six thousand police were centered in central London for safety reasons. Oxford Circus is also a great place for anti-capitalists to protest. Good thing too. Scuffles broke out and a bonfire was created. Police barged in the crowd to distinguish the fire. One individual even broke shop windows in Oxford Circus. In today’s Russia, pensioners and the unemployed protested, demanding higher wages and social programs for the poor and unemployed. In Germany, 5,000 Germans demonstrated in the streets of Berlin.
Labor Day, also known as Eight Hours Work Day, and May Day celebrates the achievement of an eight-hour workday. It also prizes the workers roles into improving the national Australian economy. During Labor Day, many Australians use the day to hang out with friends and family, play sports, and have barbeques. In Australia, Labor Day is beneficial to unions. In the city of Brisbane, the state’s key political leaders and key figures often lead marches. Union members often take part in these marches. Labor day is a public holiday in all the states and territories of Australia. During Labor Day, government offices, post offices, schools, and a few businesses are closed.
May Day is dedicated to remember those who fought for eight-hour workdays in Australia. During the mid to late 19th century, workdays were six days a week and were up to twelve hours a day. On April 21, 1856, stonemasons at the University of Melbourne marched to Parliament House to push for an eight-hour working day. An agreement with employers for a 48-hour week was eventually reached and Australian workers welcomed the new eight-hour day. One of the first May Day/Labour Day marches in Australia occurred on May 1, 1891 in Queensland. More than 1000 people participated in the march and carried banners.
My personal opinion is not for or against this becoming a Holiday for our nation to recognize. If our citizens wish to observe May Day as a national holiday, then allow it to pass through as one of our holidays our nation spends a day remembering. However, Let it also be our decision to not see May Day as a holiday as we wish.
Shaun Quinto
ReplyDeleteA-Block
Throughout the world, Labor Day is celebrated on different dates. In America, Labor Day started in 1894. Two months after the Haymarket Affair, all 50 states declared the first Monday in September as Labor Day. Most “eight-hour” workers are off, and take the long weekend to take a well deserved break. In Australia, it is also sometimes called Eight-Hour Day or May Day. In Australia people barbeque, take a small vacation, and spend time with their families. Throughout Australia, Labour Day is celebrated on different dates, but serves the same purpose to honor the contribution of laborers to the nation’s economy. In the 1800s, Australians usually worked 12 hour days 6 days a week. In 1856 stonemasons at the University of Melbourne, marched to the parliament house. They pushed for and 8 hour work day and were successful by agreeing to the 48 hour work week. Ever since then, they have a parade each year to celebrate. Since each area of Australia celebrates it on a different day, there are multiple parades throughout the year. The idea of Labor Day being celebrated relates to the studies we have been doing in class. Throughout the world, many people’s rights are being abused in the workplace. The labor unions were able to fight the government and big companies for the 8 hour work day, and they defeated a giant. That is why we celebrate this holiday. In class we learned about free and fair trade coffee. Coffee growers in a small town were able to make their coffee a fair trade product. That raised the price and quality of their product, so they weren’t underpaid without any benefits anymore. The fair trade coffee reflects the ideas and morals that the unions workers were fighting for, promoting fairness in the workplace and protection for workers. In my opinion, making May Day a national holiday in America is completely absurd. May Day, in other countries, is a day off where people can take a break and relax. Essentially the same thing as Labor Day, in America. America decided that their day to thank the laborers in their country would be the first Monday in September each year. Why would they have the same holiday twice in the same year? Spain celebrates it on May 1st, because that is the date they picked. Australia’s idea of Labor Day relates more closely to America’s idea. Labor Day in Australia isn’t on May 1st. Each part of the continent celebrates it when they signed the law allowing 8 hour work days and 48 hour work weeks. Therefore, I believe America should keep Labor Day in September. The date on which we celebrate it makes no difference, as we should be honoring the labor workers and the unions for fighting for their rights.
Sarah Berfond
ReplyDeleteBlock F
May Day/ International Workers day is used to either celebrate advances in labor or protest against unfair laws, regulations or policies in a country. For example on May 1st in one year workers could be forming riots in the streets to fight against a unfair number of hours in a workday while May 1st in another year could be set aside to celebrate the achievement of having the hours in a workday shortened to their desired amount. In South Korea, International Workers Day has been utilized for reduction of working hours, wage increase, and prevention of unemployment, praising workers for their hard-work and fighting for the workers independence, democracy and solidarity. Recently there were riots against the World Trade Organization in Seattle. Protesters blocked entrances for officials to enter the WTO meeting and lead massive riots throughout the area. Similarly, the workers protested to obtain basic economic rights. Both groups were fighting to change something they felt was wrong and unjust. May Day is celebrated in countries throughout the world represents a globalization of the working class. Although the day is symbolic of the Communist party it is also representative of the division of labor around the world and the flow of jobs into different labor markets.
May 1st should be a holiday for the workers of America. Many jobs are taxing and intense and the workers should have a day to relax and celebrate the advances that have been made throughout history. It is also important to remember the May Day riots to prevent similar violent events. The holiday was created due to Haymarket affair in America and should therefore be celebrated in the US.
Tarina Meaders
ReplyDelete5/4/09
Mayday is a holiday created to recognize the issues and struggles of workers all over the world. Unnapreciated and disgruntled workers gather to protest in crowds to voice their issues with low wages, and their opposition to globalization and its money over quality of life approach.This holiday is very much connected to our lessons in class because we are watching Battle in Seattle which kick starts into an intense protest against the poster child for globalization: The World trade Organization.
In South Korea Mayday started early by an independent organization in order to stop low wages, loss of jobs, and to give less intense working hours.Around the time of 1945 to 1948 the the US military deprived Korea of taking part in Mayday but was then restored in 1987 where activists protested against the same issues as well unfit working conditions. May 1st was when MayDay became a real holiday and is celebrated today, in South Korea MayDay is a way that hard working citizens are unified to better the environment in which they live.
I feel that May 1st should be a holiday for the workers in the U.S. because they are very important aspects to our government and our country. They too are a thread in the quilt of our society and hold together many many things. think about how many things would not be able to be produced without these individuals. If they'd like to be recognized for it, i agree!
Anthony - S+- Solid economic analysis but you didn't answer all the assigned questions
ReplyDeleteAnam - E- thoughtful and detailed work; I think your take on the role of holidays in American culture is interesting- it would seem ironic for another labor day to be honored with infinite sale promotions
Elizabeth - E- You provide an in-depth analysis of the complexity of NGO decision making; for consensus to be reached all parties need to be willing to concede. While it is challenging, can you offer an alternative that would seem fairer to dissenting nations (which are often the least powerful?)
Jaclyn- G+: Organized, thorough summary. I encourage you to express MORE of your own opinion, I feel the analysis section is a bit reserved - assert your ideas with supporting arguments.
ReplyDeleteHeather Alexis Vale
ReplyDeleteBlock F
“For a stable, secure job with rights” is what every employee desires. Who wants to be mistreated and abused within their job? Jobs are necessary for individuals to earn money. Money is essential for individuals to purchase shelter and food to survive. Thus on May Day, global demonstrations take place to express the voice of workers. May Day labor holiday is celebrated all across the world, minus the United States of America. Anti-globalization protesters gather in cities throughout the world on May 1.
These protesters are charging at international companies, especially those enjoying high brand recognition, with exploitation, environmental pillage, human rights abuses, hypocrisy, kowtowing to repressive regimes, disowning their home base workforces, driving down wages etc. Interestingly, a half-century of growing international trade has helped send per capita income up by 150%. There are those that are pro-globalization and those that are anti-globalization.
The WTO is the only national body dealing with the rules of trade between nations at a global level. This organization liberalizes trade, and allows governments to negotiate trade agreements along with settling trade disputes. Folks that oppose the WTO believes that globalization (which is what the WTO promotes) increases inequality and environmental degradation. Globalization has helped reduce poverty in a large number of developing countries but it must be harnessed better to help the world's poorest, most marginalized countries improve the lives of their citizens.
"A Day without a Mexican" is a movie that helped inspire the nationwide demonstrations and a boycott to be held May 1, International Labour Day, by immigrant groups in the United States. According to the article, “INT'L LABOUR DAY: Mexico Backs ‘Day Without Immigrants'”, Trade unions in Mexico offered their total backing for the demonstrations that migrants in the United States will hold on Monday to demand amnesty for undocumented immigrants and to protest a strict immigration reform bill passed by the lower house of Congress.
Organizations in Mexico have called on people to boycott U.S products and businesses. Annually, groups of activists and lawmakers march in the capital on May 1 to let their voices be heard. This year, the idea is for immigrants to make their economic clout felt. A push for immigration reform is clearly illustrated through these demonstrations on May Day. Some argue that it is better not to hold a boycott, because it could be counterproductive, while others stand by the boycott.
Evidently, I believe the United States should stay away from declaring May Day a federal holiday. The day will highlight possibilities for extreme measures to be taken through demonstrations. May Day allows the citizens of a nation to express their opinions, and I believe Americans express their opinion everyday in different ways. Demonstrations are common throughout America, and I don’t believe one specific day should be set for them.
Sylvia Shojai
ReplyDeleteA Block
May Day is an international holiday that celebrates the progress that workers have been striving for since 1886. Every year on May first, many countries around the world celebrate May Day to honor those who are still struggling to maintain equality in the work place. It represents globalization by unifying all the countries that all celebrate the same cause on the same day, thus intensifying the impact. Countries such as South Korea, Cuba, Germany, Mexico, Australia and many others participate in May Day by marching in protests in order to raise their voices for the underdeveloped countries that are still behind in worker’s rights. Workers have the day off and the streets become packed them, as well as the police officers that are there to control them, and restrain them if the protests should escalate. May Day also has a significant relevance to trade regulations and the WTO; just as people react to the labor unions and workers rights, people have protested against the World Trade Organizations when their behavior had indicated corruption.
In the article “Germany readies for fiery May Day protests”, the author speaks of the current recession and unemployment rate, in anticipation for May Day to arrive. Every month, an estimated 50,000 Germans lose their jobs. The recession is expected to become deeper, and has not been this bad in Germany since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Michael Sommer, the head of Germany's DGB federation of German trade unions, states that the massive amount of layoffs might set off a more hostile crowd amongst the protests on May Day. When compared to France, Germany is looked upon as apathetic and not as likely to react to a prompted situation. Perhaps it is due to the cultural traditions as Heiner Ganssmann from Berlin's Free University says "It is partly a cultural tradition. In France people are much quicker to take to the streets. Germans still trust the authorities." However no one can foretell exactly what is to come until the day finally arrives. Another take on Germany’s position is that the financial crisis might encourage more people to participate in protests, but not necessarily increase the risk of violence to occur.
In my opinion the US should adopt May Day as a federal holiday as it is in other places because it would unite the workers together and allow them to protest on this day every year, thus allowing us to express our democratic rights. In the US the public is all about free speech and standing up for what they believe in. With the job market at its lowest, we need this now more than ever. It will give people the change to express their feelings and even blow off some steam about the resentment that the recession is delivering.
Sylvia- E: unique perspective; certainly the nation - workers in particular - could use a morale boost.I hadn't thought of it that way until I read your post.
ReplyDeleteHeather - E: Thoughtful, informed and reflective of the resources provided
Tarina - G: Solid analysis though lacking original details/ connections
Sarah G+: insightful reference to the politics of the riot and how on some level a Mayday holiday would commemorate the American's right to political difference.
Shaun- G+. Absurd is a strong statement but you backed that position up completely! The first labor day was a construct of unionists in September 1882 and was definitively a working class holiday. Good point.
Anthony - S-: You didn't complete the full assignment. Add your position on the holiday for a higher grade. You are definetly capable of more in-depth work.
Wayne - E-: Does your holiday plan suggest that people should be able to take off from work on May 1st if they want to demonstrate and show worker solidarity? This sounds like a fair, if somewhat impractical plan.
karmilla - E
ReplyDeleteSaman Mahmood
ReplyDeleteC block
May 1st is known as international worker’s day/ May Day, which is celebrates the hard work and struggles of the working class thought the world and history. May Day also celebrates the working class families. On May 1st there are usually, protest/ riots and parades in countires that have off for May Day. Parades first begin when worker wanted better working places and an eight hour work day. Protest and riots are still going on today because workers are still fhighting for more rights. May Day began to in the 1880s, in the United States. When workers wanted didn’t want to work 12 hour work days any more, and it was a nationwide movement. I
n May 1, 1886 there was a strike for the 8 hour work day. The eight hour work day became standard that day as well. In counties that do celebrate May Day, every year, people go to the streets and demonstrate the current workers rights problems. Like now over 70 years later , Germany citizens are back where they began. The photo essay in the “time magazine Europe”, May Day since 2000, has been getting pretty out of control. Counties like France, where when the citizens have a problem with the government they go straight to the streets. And voice out there opinon, which is purely admirable. In England there was a pretest about environmental problems. In other parts of Europe, citizens were protesting for higher wages and more workers rights.
According to the articles on yahoo About 50,000 jobs being lost every single month, the German government s waiting for the protests and riots. I don’t believe the government can/will do anything, all they are doing fighting against violence protesters. The German government is looking forward to have over 6,000 police men at the May Day riots. Germany and china area facing many of the same problems, the WTO isn’t really doing Germany any good at all. The Chinese have done any riots because of the communist government, and china might join headlines on May Day next year. The unites states should have off for may day because I believe there are many other days that we should have off for like : the September 11,2001.
May Day, a day that brings an abundance of joy, to rid away the April showers and bring on the the flowers. Moreover, it is a day that salutes the struggle throughout history and now present day of the working people across the globe. May Day has been celebrated in countless countries commencing back in 1886 when the Haymarket Affair became known. 8 hour work days were demanded to become the legal days work by Labor Unions and the Federation of Organized Trade. It was demanded to begin on May 1, 1886. To reach the target, the demands called for a strike. Since there was no work limits, people were working up to 14 hours a day; thus, the support grew quickly. Over 250,000 workers were ready to strike before reaching the commencement May 1st. The authorities were ready for the strikers as well. The National Guard was even called in. On May 1st, the strikers, cored in Chicago took the city by storm, which led to police brutality. Thus, a protest against the brutality began in the Haymarket Square. Unfortunately, a bomb was thrown towards the cops, killing one and wounding many. Police went postal. They ransacked homes of suspected protestors, and arrested anyone they could. Police blamed 8 men for the bombing, yet evidence never proved it was them. Even without evidence they were found guilty-5 were hung, 1 committed suicide in prison, and 3 were pardoned. Over a century of protests, rallies, demands, and brutalities later, May Day continues as a day of protest, and has spread like wild fire all over the world. Switzerland authorities are taking no prisoners. They have practically shut down the city of Davos in anticipation of May Day. Cars and buses must pass through checkpoints outside of the town, trains are stopped miles away, and pedestrians are being stopped and searched by police at will. The crowd is not intimidating for the police that are peppered all over the town, and reportedly have a manure gun if things get out of hand. In addition cops hose demonstrators who come near the Congress Center down with water, which may seems harmless, but when your in freezing temperatures, one can become an icicle quite rapidly. "Hippie Alert" is in effect. The people of Davos demonstrate because they are worried that Davos will become a place which the rich become richer and the poor go on poor due to globalization from the World Trade Organization and International Monetary fund.
ReplyDeleteAustralia refers to their may Day as Labour Day, and spend it similarly how the United States spends it's Labor Day, relaxing with friends and family in the fresh air. That's how any holiday related to work should be spent, enjoying the true and natural fruits that the Earth has given us. Other Aussies choose to spend their day marching in Queensland, which is led by the state's political leaders, it's sounds pretty euphoric to me. It's a holiday that celebrates the people who couldn't celebrate because they were too busy working 12 hours shifts, six days a week. Stonemasons marched in the Parliament House to demand an 8 hour work week on April 21, 1856. Their demands were heard and rewarded. In 1879 the Victorian Government took another step for demanding it to be a public holiday. A large May day meeting occurred 1890, and the newspapers declared it May Day. This all relates back to the World Trade Organization and Globalization. Protestors such as the protestors that took place in the Battle In Seattle, were all here protesting different causes against the same enemy. Moreover, the principles of the WTO/ globalization are all out of whack and the basics are it's trade system are flawed. Its pursues growth at all costs, and ignores the fact that increasing consumption is erasing the natural capital of the environment, which is the core of global economy. Trade relates to transports which decreases biodiversity, and negatively impacts the communities. Trade does little to protect and promote the environment. Trade also deregulates financial markets, which undermines countries' economies during crisis. Importantly, world trading doesn't benefit most of the worlds population, it just makes the rich richer, and the poor poorer. The world trading also keeps its facts to the people it benefits, and strays away from the smaller companies. Trading has done nothing for job employment as well. The globalization of the employment market and the mobility of companies has increased companies moving to places where they can take advantage of their workers and have unjust labor practices and unhealthy working conditions. Overall, world trading and globalization have done nothing but negatively contribute to the world and its creatures.
Now one would assume that United States would strongly recognize this day as a holiday with all that as occurred in the labor region of the U.S. such as women working in factories, child labor, or the 8 hour work day. But no. United States along with Canada, and South Africa do not hold this day as a national holiday. With all the skeletons in the closet, I find it with no surprise that the United States doesn't recognize May Day as a national holiday. The government wants to erase the brutal history, which many people were wounded and killed without logic reason, for example Albert Parsons, August Spies, Adolf Fischer, and George Engel, the five men that were hung and blamed for the Haymarket bombing. The government wants to prevent America from knowing the legacy that the Haymakert Affair would have uprooted had it become a national holiday. They are afraid of what people in todays world and technology (since the internet has helped demonstrators all over the globe come together) are capable of demonstrating if there was a May Day. Any worker should recognize May Day to show that the people who risked their lives at the expense of the authorities didn't risk it for a bunch of people who don't deserve fair work hours. Moreover, it should not only be commemorated for its history, but for the present and the future, for every working class person, that their work not go unrewarded. Undoubtedly, May Day should be recognized as a true holiday for all workers, instead of just having a day with no nostalgic logic or reason behind it such as Labor Day ( I still want this holiday, but why not have another with true meaning behind it, eh?).
POWER TO THE PEOPLE & ANIMALS!
"Workers of the world, awaken!
Rise in all your splendid might
Take the wealth that you are making,
It belongs to you by right.
No one will for bread be crying
We'll have freedom, love and health,
When the grand red flag is flying
In the Workers' Commonwealth."
- Joe Hill
Dominique D. Johnson
ReplyDeleteBlock A. Economics
May 4, 2009
May Day which is also known as the International Worker’s Day was celebrated on May 1. Many rallies and parades are held on this day as part of keeping up with the traditional movement so long ago. Many people in cities such as, Chicago and New York gather together on this day to remember the fight for the eight hour work day. After the Haymarket incident during a strike; many people were killed and many innocent people were killed and given death sentences. So much came out of this day which still has a great impact and influence on worker’s unions and rights today. This international event is celebrated all over the world. In Korea, this movement proposes the reduction of working hours and, unemployment, the unfair wage reduction. For many Koreans this day symbolized the abolishment of Japanese imperialism, independence, and democracy solidarity. This day also epitomizes the fight for higher wages, environmental protection, and the justice from the World Trade Organization. This relates to globalization and Worker’s Rights Organization. The video on China shows the fight for underemployment and social independence. May Day is a day that has an impact on many people in many different ways. The fight for job security, employment, and higher wages is fight that will continue on as a result of the courageous people who fought on May Day. I don’t think that it should be a national holiday; however, I believe that this day should be recognized.
Teresa Konopka
ReplyDeleteIndependent Study
Words: 323
Around the world, May Day is like a Veteran’s Day for laborers. It stems from the American industrial era. This involved strikes and public displays of opinions. In one case, a worker was accused of killing a policeman, when he was really just using self defense to protect himself. The jailed were freed on a pardon. As wind of this went around the world, other nations started their own May Days to honor it.
In places like the World Bank and the IMF, protestors meet and conduct their May Day ceremonies. Most are kept under control, but one in London was amuck--wrecking statues and ruining storefronts. With globalization, many jobs are being outsourced. This leads to ultimatums. Companies can threaten their workers. If they don’t work harder and longer, the bosses can say they’ll just pay someone else a cheaper wage overseas. With nothing left to do, workers demonstrate. However, the WTO is trying to create better equality and fairness with regards to working regulations. In Prague, demonstrators became furious at the IMF for their outsourcing. In Quebec, similar demonstrations occurred as angry workers represented trade unions.
In Germany, May Day protests are escalating. After a recession took hold of the German economy, workers were outraged. Their fiscal state is almost as bad as it was during the Great Depression. Inflation is hyper and unemployment keeps going up. Trade union leaders fear that Germany will be faced with dangerous workers that want comeuppance. With all of this going on, May Day demonstrations are getting more and more full of rage. The US should not adopt May Day as a national holiday. It will only add fuel to the fire and encourage violence amongst the unemployed.
Peer response:
Mariel’s opinion is intriguing. She says that May Day should be a holiday because it has a history. This makes me think of what the true histories of many American holidays are behind their sugar coats.