Resistance Was a Hallmark of May Day

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Resistance Was a Hallmark of May Day

May Day 2003: International Day of Working Class Unity and Struggle
Worldwide Actions Defend Rights and Oppose Imperialist Aggression

US Navy Withdraws from Vieques

May Day Tragedy for South African Workers

At a time when Tony Blair was talking of the "time and perseverance" needed to break down the "resistance" to the "goals of the coalition forces" in Iraq, May Day was celebrated by the working class and people’s forces throughout the world.

That the people of Iraq are resisting occupation is true, as is the fact that workers are still waging their struggle against exploitation and for their rights. Both struggles were reflected and brought together in the May Day marches, and this was a hallmark of the demonstration in London.

This situation underlines that the workers must discuss and take action on furthering their resistance to the anti-social offensive. In the course of summing up their experience of resistance, they will further learn how to affirm their own values and shake off the divisions and competition, the attempts to line them up behind a programme of paying the rich, that the political and economic system imposes on them.

May Day has once again underlined that the struggle for the British workers is not simply one of humanitarian support for the oppressed peoples of all lands, but by resisting the anti-social offensive here and fighting for their rights, to contribute to the advance of the workers’ cause and humanity’s struggle internationally.

On May 1, international day of working class unity and struggle, millions of working people around the world took to the streets to put forward the demands of their collectives. They organised rallies, marches, conference and other actions on themes ranging from organising in defence of workers' rights and the rights of all  to opposing wars of aggression, the US occupation of Iraq and neo-liberal globalisation.

Some 400,000 workers participated in May Day activities throughout France. Close to one million workers in Germany took part in May Day actions which opposed plans of the German government to make changes to public health care and other anti-social measures such as cuts to unemployment benefits and job protection. Across Spain, workers took to the streets in their thousands under the banner: "For peace, for work. No to War!". A joint statement by Spain's two trade union centrals said the demonstrations were "another rejection of those who are proud of having conducted an unjust, an illegitimate war". In Zurich, Switzerland, some 7,000 people participated in a march condemning the war against Iraq. "Yesterday Afghanistan, Today Iraq, Tomorrow...?" read one banner. In Athens, Greece, a militant action was held outside the US Embassy. More than five million workers and people participated in May Day rallies and marches across Russia and the Ukraine. More than 5,000 marked the occasion in Bulgaria while some 25,000 people marched in Istanbul, Turkey. The Federation of Trade Unions in Macedonia organised mass protests in Skopje. Several hundred workers joined the rally in front of government buildings, including parliament. The unions explained that they wanted to send a message to authorities and employers that labour conditions must be improved. While acknowledging that the country is in very complex economic and political situation, the unions insisted that protecting the health and safety of workers and reducing poverty should be government priorities.

In Israel, some 600,000 workers were in the second day of a general strike involving workers from schools, government offices, banks, airports and transportation services. The workers are in a dispute with the Israeli government which is carrying out various anti-social policies in the public sector. Some 500 people marched in the West Bank town of Salfit, shouting slogans against capitalism and the "Apartheid Wall" the Israeli government is building. The march went to a graveyard to place wreaths on the graves of those killed by the Israeli army since May Day 2002. The participants then went to a hall where Palestinian youth performed a dance and others sang revolutionary songs and recited poetry. In Iraq, hundreds of people participated in a march in Baghdad and opposed the US occupation.

May Day was celebrated in Namibia with a May Day march and rally. Nurses marched in uniform and speeches were mixed with songs and drama from community groups and shouts of "Viva the Workers Viva", "The workers united" and "Lotta Continua". The theme of the May Day celebrations was Back to Basics, Demand Respect for Workers’ Rights. The songs and the slogans and speeches were anti-imperialist and pro-worker in character. The key note speech was given from a woman representative from the National Union of Namibian Workers. She said that the respect for workers rights world wide was diminishing because of the new imperialism. Currently we were witnessing the third world war in the Middle East, the American blockade continued to cripple the Cuban people, the Zionists are exterminating the Palestinian people and the US and British war machine has massacred Iraqi people for oil and world domination, the speaker said.

Hundreds of thousands of workers took to the streets across India against neo-liberal globalisation and the Indian government's "economic reforms agenda", as well as measures that would make it easier for companies to fire workers. "Across the country, workers came out on the streets to register their protests against the government's anti-labour policies," said a spokesman of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC). "On the occasion of May Day, all the workers in the country took a pledge to intensify the stir against the government's free-market policies and make the public at large aware of the downside of across-the-board reforms," he said. Trade unions in Gujarat marked May Day with a rally against communal violence in which some 10,000 people participated. In Kerala, hundreds of domestic workers held a rally to demand social security and other benefits. All central and state government offices were closed across Kerala as trade unions organised demonstrations in various parts of the state. Denouncing the economic policies of the central government, thousands of workers held rallies and meetings across Andhra Pradesh. Waving red flags, workers from different sectors marched through the state's capital Hyderabad, shouting slogans against the anti-worker policies.

In the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, a national meeting was held at the Kim Jong Thae Locomotive Plant to mark the 113th anniversary of May Day. Ryom Sun Gil, the chairman of the Central Committee of the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea, extended the militant salute and solidarity of the workers and peoples of the DPRK to the people of the world in their vigorous struggle to carve out a century free from imperialism and domination, a new century of independence and peace. He called on the workers of Korea to take the lead in forming workers regiments and divisions prepared to defend their nation from imperialist aggression. In south Korea, tens of thousands of workers participated in May Day actions. Some 20,000 participated in an assembly in Daehangno in central Seoul where trade union leaders called for the abolition of discrimination against the seven million contingent workers in south Korea.

In Sri Lanka, hundreds of thousands of workers marched demanding laws which protect workers' rights and calling for a 25 per cent increase in the wages of unskilled workers. In Japan some 360,000 people participated in rallies, many of which called for job security in the face of severe unemployment. In Malaysia, some 2,000 workers gathered at a rally in Kuala Lumpur where speakers expressed concerns about imminent job losses, some related to the SARS crisis and called for the government to review the minimum wage policy. In Manilla, Philippines, 10,000 people marched to demand better working conditions, some wearing masks to symbolise the harmful effects of globalisation on local industry. In Jakarta, Indonesia thousands of workers converged in front of the Parliament to demand that the government raise the minimum wage and declare May 1 a national holiday. Banners stated: "We Reject the New Labour Laws" and "Stop US Colonialism in Iraq". Rallies were also organised in other major cities.

In Melbourne, Australia, thousands of workers brought the downtown core to a standstill in a march which demanded respect for workers and an end to the attacks on their rights by the Howard government. Speakers pointed out that the attacks on the workers have hit youth the hardest with the massive increases in the number of part-time, casual and precarious jobs.

May Day actions were held across the United States including in Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, New York, Marlyand, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Colorado, Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington. 

Actions in both Boston and Los Angeles opposed US war and occupation of Iraq and racist state attacks against immigrants. In Los Angeles, participants demanded "legalisation" for all undocumented immigrants and job security for all. At Boston's City Hall, hundreds rallied as the Boston City Council held hearings on a proposed resolution calling on the federal government to grant amnesty to all undocumented immigrants, Boston Indymedia reported.

In Buffalo, New York, a series of May Day activities were organised throughout the week. On May 1, artists organised a cultural anti-war performance. On May 2, a May Day Social was organised under the theme "Not a Single Youth for Imperialist War!" The political and social evening organised by Buffalo Forum, a local publication of US Marxist-Leninist Organisation, brought together many university and high school youth and young families to meet and discuss their work and how to further contribute to the struggle for another world. 

Several actions took place in Chicago, Illinois on May Day. In New York City, hundreds of students from the City University of New York (CUNY) were joined by supporters for a May 1 action opposing US war and the planned massive cuts to the state's public universities and colleges. The event was marked by the strong participation of African American youth who are especially targeted by the planned increases to tuition and cuts to financial aid programmes and as cannon fodder for US imperialism's wars of aggression.

May Day actions were also held in cities across Canada. Among the marches were those in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Windsor, Edmonton and Vancouver.

May Day actions were held across Latin America and the Caribbean. In the face of threats from the US imperialists, more than a million people gathered in Revolution Square in Havana, Cuba and millions more took part in May Day events across the island. President Fidel Castro addressed the rally in Havana, as well as Pedro Ross Leal, General Secretary of the Cuban Trade Union (CTC). Ross called on all those gathered to "raise their flags in support of the measures Cuba had to take in its defence" and expressed the Cuban people's rejection of the "recent global fascist tyranny."

The people of Vieques, Puerto Rico demonstrated as the US Navy was forced to end its more than 60-year use of the island as a bombing range. Joined by supporters worldwide, the people of Puerto Rico are continuing their fight to get the US military out and to win reparations for the destruction of the people's health and the island's environment and economy. In Colombia, a national work stoppage was organised to protest the government's economic policies. In Bolivia, about 100,000 took part in a march in La Paz and another 50,000 in El Alto. Actions were also held in Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil and Argentina.

On May 1, after six decades of struggle against the US Navy's use of Vieques as a bombing range, the US Navy withdrew from the Puerto Rican island. Hundreds of people broke through a fence at the bombing range, waving the Puerto Rican and destroying US Navy vehicles as they celebrated the end to the bombing exercises. However, the land was handed over to the US Department of the Interior and the US military continues to control certain land in Vieques. On this basis, the Puerto Rican people are continuing their fight to get the US military completely out and win reparations for the destruction of the island's environment and economy and the damaged health of the 9,300 residents.

We reproduce below the May 1 statement of Vieques Libre, which indicates that the struggle continues for the removal of all US troops and an end to the US colonisation of Puerto Rico and the genocide of its people.

The Struggle for Peace and Justice in Vieques Continues

Vieques Libre, May 1, 2003

The struggle for peace and justice in Vieques continues. The US Navy's May 2003 departure from Vieques is an admirable victory for the people of Vieques and for their many peace-loving allies who participated in that important struggle. However, the US military still controls certain lands in Vieques – namely the Monte Pirata communications site and the ROTHR (Relocatable Over The Horizon Radar) site – on the Western part of the island. The federal government also controls several acres of land in the Western part of Vieques that used to be used as ammunition depot. And following the US Navy's departure from the eastern side of Vieques, the totality of the land will remain in the hands of the federal government, as the US Navy has transferred it to the US Department of Interior and not to the people of Vieques. Thus, the demands of decontamination and clean up of the lands, of the return of the lands to the people of Vieques, and of sustainable development for Vieques, remain unmet and the struggle to achieve those goals continues.

At the same time, the health crisis caused by more than 60 years of bombing in Vieques with everything from live bombs to napalm and depleted uranium, will still be felt in Vieques long after the Navy's departure. There must be remediation, compensation and treatment for the many Viequenses who suffer as a result of the military activities on their island.

On July 29, 2001, the people of Vieques were given the opportunity to cast a vote over the issue of the Navy presence on their island. In spite of all the money and influence of the Navy to try to influence the results, the people of Vieques spoke with a clear voice: 68 per cent of the residents voted for: "Immediate and permanent termination of the military exercises and bombings of the Navy in Vieques, withdrawal of the Navy from Vieques, and cleaning and return of Viequense lands to its citizens."

The cessation of bombing and the Navy's departure from the eastern side of Vieques has been a huge victory, long overdue for a people who have suffered too much for too long. But the remaining demands are unmet.

The struggle for peace and justice in Vieques continues.

Up to 80 South African trade union members were feared dead after the coach carrying them to a May Day rally plunged into a reservoir. The bus was carrying 90 members of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU).

COSATU called for a week of mourning for the victims. South African President Thabo Mbeki observed a minute's silence for the victims at a May Day rally in Johannesburg.

TUC Aid is appealing to affiliates to make contributions to help the beareaved families. Brendan Barber, General Secretary-Elect of the TUC, in a message of condolences addressed to Mr Zwelinzima Vavi, General Secretary of COSATU, said: "Today, as we celebrate the achievements of working people throughout the world, our thoughts go out to the families and friends of those colleagues who died under sad circumstances."

WDIE adds its condolences to those of workers world-wide to the friends and families of the victims of the tragedy. An Appeal has been launched to help the bereaved families. To donate, make cheques payable to TUC Aid – SA Appeal and sent to TUC Aid, EUIRD, TUC, Congress House, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3LS. All proceeds will be forwarded to the Fund set up by COSATU in co-operation with People’s Bank.

We are reproducing below the statements of COSATU and the South African Communist Party on the tragedy.

May Day disaster – COSATU statement

The Congress of South African of Trade Unions is devastated by the tragic accident near Bethlehem in the Free State, in which more than 60 workers, mainly members of the SA Municipal Workers’ Union, lost their lives. The bus was taking them from Kimberly to a May Day rally in Qwaqwa. What should have been a joyful celebration of workers’ day turned into a disaster, when the bus plunged into a dam.

On behalf of all its affiliates and members, COSATU sends its deepest condolences to the families and comrades of those whose lives have been so tragically shortened. We send our best wishes to the ten survivors for a speedy and full recovery.

COSATU has called on all workers to observe a week of mourning to show our respect for our lost comrades, from today until the funerals take place.

We are also collaborating with the People’s Bank to set up a fund to help the bereaved families. The Bank has donated R50 000 to start the fund, for which we thank them. Further details of the fund will be sent out as soon as possible.

COSATU will cooperate fully with the authorities to find the cause of the accident and steps that can be taken to prevent any such tragedies in the future.

Patrick Craven

Acting COSATU Spokesperson

In honour of May Day heroes

Umsbenzi Online Vol.2, No.9, 7 May 2003

This document is also available from the SACP web site at: http://www.sacp.org.za/umsebenzi/online/2003/uol014.htm

South Africa was shocked by the tragic death on 2003 May Day of more than 50 workers, many of whom belonging to SAMWU, a COSATU affiliate. The working class movement in our country and internationally cannot dare forget these working class heroes who died in a tragic bus accident near Bethlehem in the Free State Province. The bus was taking them from Kimberley to a May Day rally in Qwaqwa. What should have been a joyful celebration of workers' day turned into a disaster, when the bus plunged into a dam.

The SACP is humbled by the decision of all the bereaved families to agree to a joint mass funeral to be held in Kimberley on Sunday 11 May 2003. It is also befitting that COSATU called a week of mourning, to last until all the funerals have taken place. COSATU has met with business organisations asking them to make pledges for financial assistance to the families of those who lost their lives in the Bethlehem bus disaster. In a moving and historic meeting, close to 50 individuals representing 29 South African companies committed a total amount of R1 536 550, 00 was pledged.

The SACP calls on all its members and supporters to mourn the death of these comrades. The SACP also calls on all its members and all South Africans to support these efforts. The SACP also calls for a full and speedy investigation in order to determine the cause of this accident.

The tragic death of these comrades happened on a day when we not only celebrated nine years of democratic rule but also commemorated the lives of many workers who have died in a struggle for decent working and living conditions.

The SACP commits itself to forever treasure and honour the memory of these comrades as soldiers who died on duty. May Day is about celebrating the achievements and victories of the workers. However at the same time it is more than a celebration. It is an occasion for workers to reflect and recommit themselves to the challenges and struggles lying ahead. Therefore for the SACP attendance at May Day activities by workers is performance of a very important duty and participation in the furtherance of the workers' struggles.

As we honour these fallen comrades, the SACP commits itself to continue a just and moral fight against poverty, joblessness and injustice; and the militant traditions that characterise May Day in the workers' movement internationally – the demand for an 8-hour working day, the struggle for fair labour conditions, the struggle for a living wage and the struggle for heath and safety rights at work.

The best way to honour the memory of these comrades is for the working class to intensify its struggles and heighten the focus on the need for a safe, efficient and affordable public transport system in our country. It is the working class that is daily paying the highest price in the many road accidents in our country, largely attributable to the absence of a safe and efficient public transport system and lack of investment in this area. Perhaps it is time that we deliberately focus and re-launch a specific campaign, within the overall context of the campaign for building a strong, democratic and accountable public sector, on the urgent need for safe public transport in our country. The Growth and Development Summit provides just such an opportunity to seriously focus on significant investment by government and big capital on public transport infrastructure.

When South Africa's history is told, these comrades would have died on duty, serving the cause of the working class.

We urge as many people as possible to make a contribution to this fund so that our comrades can be buried in dignity. All those who are able to make a donation should make a deposit to:

People's Bank, Worker's Day Relief Fund, A/C Number 2947 0000 13