MayDay Media Roundup

See below for media coverage of Occupy Boston's and May 1st Coalition's MayDay actions. There's also work below by Matt Carroll, Jay Kelly, Bil Lewis and others!

Enjoy! Terra

http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/7/70/Photo%2C_Politicis_is_In_the_Streets.JPG photo: pheonix, P. NICK CURRAN

Occupy Boston Posts
[Occupy Boston Press Release] [Occupy Boston Facebook Page for MayDay]
 * 1) M1GSBOS
 * 2) occupyboston

Pre-Action Coverage
Occupy Boston: [Boston Phoenix As MayDay Approaches] [Boston Pheonix Tomorrow Celebrate MayDay with Occupy Boston] [Boston Phoenix As the Weather Heats Up so Does the Class Struggle] [Free Republic]

May 1st Coalition: [WUniTV Marcha Trabajadores] [Dig Boston MayDay Workers Will Unite]

Day Of Coverage
http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/0/0e/Photo%2C_Students_Marching.JPG photo: pheonix, P. NICK CURRAN Occupy Boston: [Channel 5 Newscast of March] [The Guardian] [Daily Free Press] [Boston Phoenix Photos by Liz Pelly] [Boston Phoenix Photos by Nick Curran]

May1st Coalition: [Boston Globe East Boston] [WBZ Radio] [http://digboston.com/think/2012/05/may-day-2012-part-ii-east-boston-chelsea-everett-solidarity/ WUniTV] [SEIU post] [Patch] [ElMundo] [IndyMedia Newswire]

Video of the Block Party in the Financial District:

[NECN Newscast] [Channel 5 Newscast]

[Photo Essay by Bil Lewis]

[Video from May 1st Coalition March in Chelsea, East Boston and Everett]

[Boston Phoenix Photos Pictures from Copley, with the Student Federation]

At Boston City Hall Plaza:

http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/e/ed/Photo%2C_Boston_City_Hall_Plaza.JPG photo: pheonix, P. NICK CURRAN

photo: daily free press SONIA SU/DFP STAFF

In Chelsea, with the May 1st Coalition:

http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/b/bc/Photo%2C_Front_of_March_-_Chelsea.JPG

photo: massuniting

In East Boston, with the May 1st Coalition:

http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/f/fd/Photo%2C_East_Boston_March.JPG photo: massuniting

In Everett:

http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/7/78/Photo%2C_Everett.JPG photo: massuniting

http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/b/b3/Photo%2C_Marchers.JPG photo: massuniting

For more by MassUniting scroll to the bottom.

Funeral March: http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/8/82/Photo%2C_Funeral_March.JPG photos: Matt Carroll More by Matt Carroll: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7435059@N07/page5/ Note that on page 4 of his flickr page, there's some neat photos of the puppet prep

Video of Funeral March by abucciify: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLhxEObSU_Q&feature=youtu.be

http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/3/34/Photo%2C_MayDay_Sign.JPG photo by Jay Kelly [more from Jay Kelly]

For the MassUniting Media Roundup and Press Release scroll to the bottom.

National Coverage
CNN: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/30982838/detail.html, http://www.thebostonchannel.com/money/30982796/detail.html NPR: http://www.wbur.org/npr/151772751/may-day-protests-underway-in-u-s-worldwide AP: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2012/05/01/immigrant_labor_occupy_groups_join_for_protests/ Pheonix: http://blog.thephoenix.com/BLOGS/phlog/archive/2012/05/02/m1gs-dispatch-from-nyc-occupy-intensity-conservative-cowardice-and-a-may-day-to-remember.aspx

Bloomberg:

Occupy Starts U.S. May Day Protests With Chants, Waltzes By Henry Goldman and Freeman Klopott May 01, 2012 12:26 PM EDT facebook twitter add to Queue Click 'Queue' to read later Occupy Wall Street protesters during a May Day rally in front of the Bank of America building on May 1, 2012 in New York City. Photographer: Monika Graff/Getty Images

Occupy Wall Street demonstrators took to the streets in May Day protests after a drenching rain in New York, gathering in Bryant Park and outside banks with slogans decrying inequities of wealth.

Organizers say the events will mark a spring resurgence. Calls for a general strike with no work, no school, no banking and no shopping have sprung up on websites in Toronto, Barcelona, London, Kuala Lumpur and Sydney, among hundreds of cities in North America, Europe and Asia.

In New York, dozens of police, some in riot gear, stood behind barricades at Bank of America Corp.’s 55-story tower as chanting protesters lined a block of 42nd Street. At about 11:45 a.m., hundreds were gathered on the west side of Bryant Park, nearly filling a stone-surfaced area opposite a lawn that borders the New York Public Library. Bill Dobbs, a member of the demonstrators’ press team, estimated the crowd at about 1,000. Several hundred had already dispersed to picketing sites, he said.

“We want to make decisions that shape the world, but that’s too big of a demand to put forward,” said Ina Bransome, 68, a Brooklyn resident who joined demonstrators in Bryant Park. “Occupy gives people a world to step into when they feel they don’t belong anywhere else.” Police Visits

Occupy groups across the U.S. have protested economic disparity, decrying high foreclosure and unemployment rates that hurt average Americans while bankers and financial executives received bonuses and taxpayer-funded bailouts. In the past six months, similar groups, using social media and other tools, have sprung up in Europe, Asia and Latin America.

New York’s Occupy movement has relied on demonstrations and marches since Nov. 15, when police ousted hundreds of protesters from their headquarters in Zuccotti Park near Wall Street, where they had camped since Sept. 17.

Police can handle picketers, Paul Browne, a police spokesman, said in an interview.

“We’re experienced at accommodating lawful protests and responding appropriately to anyone who engages in unlawful activity, and we’re prepared to do both,” he said.

By about noon, there had been four arrests, he said.

Gideon Oliver, president of the New York chapter of National Lawyers’ Guild, which offers support to Occupy Wall Street, said police visited at least six homes of people they believed helped plan the demonstrations. Holding the Money

“It’s something the police do when they’re scared about people occupying public spaces,” Oliver said.

New York police didn’t immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment.

Organizers describe the May Day events as a coming together, with activists also calling for more open immigration laws, expanded labor rights and cheaper financing for higher education. Financial institutions remain a primary target.

Five banks -- JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM), Bank of America, Citigroup Inc. (C), Wells Fargo & Co. (WFC) and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (GS) - - together held $8.5 trillion in assets at the end of 2011. That’s equal to 56 percent of the U.S. economy, compared with 43 percent in 2006, according to the Federal Reserve.

At JPMorgan on Park Avenue between 47th and 48th streets, about 40 protesters gathered and danced waltzes to a 12-piece band featuring trumpets, flutes, trombones, drums and an alto saxophone. Angry Guitars

About 200 protesters briefly blocked Madison Avenue between 40th and 41st streets. About 30 police officers in riot gear moved them along. At 12:20 p.m., about 100 people were in Union Square, where a rally was scheduled for 4 p.m. after a parade of guitar players led by Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, a rock band with radical politics.

Other scheduled events in New York included teach-ins, art performances and a staging area for “direct action and civil disobedience.” There was to be an 8 p.m. “radical after- party” downtown.

Stacey Hessler, 39, left her four children at home in Florida to take an 18-hour bus ride to today’s protest.

“This is the focal point,” Hessler said in Bryant Park. “I want to be here to help make sure there are as many of us as possible so everyone else around the world can be inspired to stage protests.”

She carried a sign saying “a woman’s place is in the revolution.” Protest Cruise

Occupy-related events were planned in 115 cities throughout the U.S., from college towns such as Amherst, Massachusetts, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago and Philadelphia.

In Oakland, California, which in past months has seen some of the most violent protests, Occupy supporters said they intended morning marches on banks and the Chamber of Commerce, followed by an afternoon rally and a march downtown.

Across the bay in San Francisco, ferry service was canceled due to labor demonstrations, said Mary Currie, a spokeswoman for the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District.

About 65 workers picketed outside the Ferry Building, accompanied by a seven-piece band and a juggler.

As they marched to the other side of the building overlooking the San Francisco Bay, Occupy protesters in eight kayaks approached, chanting “We are the 99 percent!” and displaying flags reading “99%,” “Health Care!” and “Dignity.”

To contact the reporters on this story: Henry Goldman in New York at hgoldman@bloomberg.net; Freeman Klopott in New York at fklopott@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Stephen Merelman at smerelman@bloomberg.net



From MassUniting:

Subject: 	#MAYDAY VIDEO & MEDIA CLIPS: Chelsea/East Boston/Everett Date: 	Thu, 3 May 2012 13:47:02 -0400 From: 	Jason Stephany  To: 	Jason Stephany 

Friends, Despite the rain, the annual May 1st Coalition march turned out to be a big success -- with hundreds braving the weather to march through the streets of Chelsea, East Boston and Everett in support of workers' rights. Click here to see video from the International Workers Day march. Media turnout was also solid, despite several outlets' reluctance to bring their cameras out into the rain. Labor, community leaders and workers were quoted extensively in a true display of unity in the fight for ALL workers' rights. An initial clip compilation is included below -- though we're still tracking down/waiting on stories from Fox 25, Chelsea Record and the Everett Independent. A copy of the coalition press release is also pasted below, along with a few attached photos. Huge thanks to everyone who helped make the day such a big success. Please let me know if you have any questions or need further information.

Thanks again, Jason

MassUniting Press Round-up

International Workers Day – 5.1.12

DAY-OF CLIPS

Boston Globe | East Boston residents participate in May Day march

A coalition of immigrants, union members, and community organizations gathered in a steady rain on Tuesday to support workers’ rights in the 13th annual May Day march across East Boston, Chelsea, and Everett…The activist group MassUniting estimated that hundreds marched the 3.5 miles from East Boston to Chelsea to Everett for a rally in Glendale Park. Massachusetts State AFL-CIO President and former State Senator Steven Tolman delivered the rally’s keynote address.

Marchers included some of the workers for Logan Airport contractors who have been vocal in recent months in demanding better wages and working conditions. Among them was Milka Santana, a customer service representative at the airport. “I marched today in support of my fellow airport workers who are struggling to make ends meet on minimum wage,” said Santana, according to the release. “We work hard every day to support our families. We pay our fair share in taxes. But like so many in the 99 percent, we are in the middle of a hard fight to get better wages and hours.”

WBZ Radio 1030AM | Marching to demand justice on May Day

[Begins with international story – Boston-specific portion begins ~1:19]

They marched from East Boston to Chelsea to Glendale Park in Everett to demand justice. “We care about respecting the workers rights in America – whether documented or undocumented, it doesn’t matter. We all work in the United States and we all pay taxes.” We asked Massachusetts AFL-CIO President, Steve Tolman about some here who might be undocumented “What I see are a lot of people with a lot of spirit – who are standing up against injustice in the workplace. I see a lot of people who work hard trying to put food on the table and educate their children. All they want is a fair chance. I see Americans and young Americans – the future of our nation.”

WUNI TV27 | Marcha de Trabajadores

Rain didn’t dampen the spirits of hundreds of workers who took to the streets of East Boston, Chelsea and Everett today, as workers and organizers of the march demanded immigration reform, economic improvements and denounced alleged abuses by part of corporations and demanding better working conditions for Hispanic employees.

DigBoston | May Day 2012: East Boston, Chelsea & Everett Solidarity

Tolman reinforces the same message of unity prevalent in his speech.“Together we all share simple common goals — justice in the workplace, fair pay, affordable health care.”

Lydia Lowe of the Chinese Progressive Association is glad the AFL-CIO is involved in May Day. Like most of the crowd, her organization is concerned with both workers’ and immigrants’ rights. “The struggle for labor rights is inseparable from the struggle for immigrant rights,” she says. She adds that she knows it will take a while, but also knows the struggle is worth it. She’s not the only one ready for a long fight. “We’re in it for the long haul,” says Gloribell Mota of NUBE. “May Day is celebrated all over the world, and we want to highlight that as a way to uplift and continue fighting past May first, continue until we see immigrant rights and labor rights.”

Despite the unrelenting rain, spirits remain high until the rally ends, and the crowd shows a strong sense of community and solidarity, always chanting, cheering, and encouraging speakers. It’s a great sign if you ask Tolman.

“We may have had rain all day,” he says, “but there’s a lot of heart and sunshine in the message we all share.”

SEIU Blog | Reigniting what May Day means to workers and immigrants

Activists and union members are breathing new life into May Day, a day the U.S. doesn't celebrate as an "official" national holiday. From Boston to New York, to Los Angeles and points in between, SEIU members are participating in marches and rallies today on International Worker's Day standing up for the rights of the 99% by calling for good jobs and justice for workers and immigrants.

Malden Patch | Hundreds take to Boston-area streets in the fight for workers’ rights

Hundreds of immigrants, union members and community allies – including dozens from the Malden area  – braved steady rain today for a May Day march for workers’ rights. Under the shared banner of “We are workers! We are immigrants! We are the 99%!,” the thirteenth annual event showcased an emerging coalition of Bay State immigrant and worker advocates united in the fight for good wages, safe working conditions and dignity in the workplace.

El Mundo Boston | Marchan por mejores salaries

…organized by SEIU 615, the march demanded living wages and full time jobs, involving hundreds of property service workers and community partners who took to the streets in an action for the 99%...the wealthy, including corporations, have more resources than they’ve had in decades and could pay their share of taxes – but they don’t. They could give their employees a raise or hire more people – but they don’t. Instead, they are arresting workers and denying them decent wages…

Boston IndyMedia | May Day 2012: Hundreds take to Boston-area streets

With roots in the American struggle for the 8-hour work day, International Workers Day (also known as May Day) is celebrated in more than 80 countries around the world as a day to commemorate the ongoing fight for workers’ rights. Tuesday’s Boston-area celebration came as corporate and political interests continue their assault on workers’ fundamental rights in Wisconsin, Ohio and other states.

“Make no mistake about it, American workers are under attack – whether public sector or private, immigrant or natural-born,” said Gladys Vega, executive director of the Chelsea Collaborative. “Today, labor unions and immigrant groups marched hand-in-hand to show that we are united in the fight to protect our rights.”

PREVIEW CLIPS

WUNI TV27 | May 1st Coalition Prepares for Workers March

In Chelsea, the May 1st Coalition – made up of more than 150 social justice organizations and unions – announced their plans for a May Day march for workers’ rights. To mark International Workers Day, the coalition is preparing a massive march, including the cities of East Boston, Chelsea and Everett, to demand an end to the abuses of major corporations and reject the exploitation of Latino workers.

DigBoston | May Day: Workers will unite

In the end, it isn’t about immigrant or non-immigrant, union or non-union. The goal is solidarity. “This is an opportunity for all workers whether blue collar, white collar, or no collar,” says Stephany. “Even if they’re not part of workforce, or still trying to find employment”

BNN Talk of the Neighborhoods | May Day preview discussion with MassUniting

Half-hour segment with Joe Heisler. Antonio Amaya of La Comunidad was the scheduled guest, but had to cancel on short notice due to an emergency.



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, May 1, 2012 Contact: Jason A Stephany, MassUniting, 617-286-4430

Yessenia Alfaro, Chelsea Collaborative, 617-259-6659 Antonio Amaya, La Comunidad Inc, 617-387-9996

MAY DAY 2012: Hundreds Take to Boston-area Streets in the Fight for Workers’ Rights

International Workers Day unifies Bay State labor, community, immigrant rights groups

EVERETT, MA – Hundreds of immigrants, union members and community allies braved steady rain today for a May Day march for workers’ rights. Under the shared banner of “We are workers! We are immigrants! We are the 99%!,” the thirteenth annual event showcased an emerging coalition of Bay State immigrant and worker advocates united in the fight for good wages, safe working conditions and dignity in the workplace.

“One hundred years ago, thousands of men, women and children walked out of the mills in Lawrence to demand justice – and they won,” said Massachusetts State AFL-CIO President Steve Tolman, who keynoted the massive rally in Everett. “Today is no different. We stand together for justice. We stand together to challenge a system that isn’t working. We stand united in the fight for all workers’ rights – and together we will win!”

Check out video from the march for workers’ rights here: http://bit.ly/IR7H0w

With roots in the American struggle for the 8-hour work day, International Workers Day (also known as May Day) is celebrated in more than 80 countries around the world as a day to commemorate the ongoing fight for workers’ rights. Today’s Boston-area celebration came as corporate and political interests continue their assault on workers’ fundamental rights in Wisconsin, Ohio and other states.

“Make no mistake about it, American workers are under attack – whether public sector or private, immigrant or natural-born,” said Gladys Vega, executive director of the Chelsea Collaborative. “Today, labor unions and immigrant groups marched hand-in-hand to show that we are united in the fight to protect our rights.”

Dozens of community groups – including Chelsea Collaborative, Chinese Progressive Association, City Life/Vida Urbana, Jobs with Justice, La Comunidad, Massachusetts AFL-CIO, MassUniting and Neighbors United for a Better East Boston – marched a more than 3.5 miles in steady rain from East Boston to Chelsea to Everett, where a mass rally was held at Glendale Park. Among the crowd were hundreds of low-wage workers – many of whom are in the midst of local battles for better wages and working conditions.

“I marched today in support of my fellow airport workers who are struggling to make ends meet on minimum wage,” said Milka Santana, a customer service representative at Logan Airport. “We work hard every day to support our families. We pay our fair share in taxes. But like so many in the 99%, we are in the middle of a hard fight to get better wages and hours.”

Throughout the day, community leaders drew inspiration from the 99% movement – which aimed to expose the individuals and institutions whose actions prompted the global economic collapse. Several laid the case out in plain terms, calling on elected officials to put an end to the scapegoating of low-wage and immigrant workers.

“Workers didn’t create the economic crisis we are in – it was the Wall Street banks and corporate lobbyists that got us into this mess,” said Antonio Amaya, executive director of La Comunidad. “The first step to a real economic recovery is to put the blame where it belongs and get our leaders refocused on building a stronger working class movement that benefits everyone in Massachusetts.”

- ### - -- Jason A Stephany

Communications Director MASSUNITING

617.286.4430 office 608.444.0060 cell www.MassUniting.org