2012 May Day protests
The 2012 May Day protests were a series of international protests that took place worldwide on 1 May 2012 over the then ongoing global economic crisis.[1]
History
The first May Day protests originated in several countries throughout Europe including Stockholm, Madrid, London, Brussels, and Geneva in 1890.[2] While the demand for an 8-hour workday was the primary concern that protesters were protesting for, other demands included improved working conditions, universal suffrage, peace among nations, and international solidarity.[2] While it originally started as a labor movement in protest for improved wages and working conditions, protesters - who are primarily from working-class backgrounds - now demonstrate for celebratory purposes and tradition while many others do it to create change.[2][3]
Over the decades, the May Day protests and demonstrations have expanded globally and internationally to other countries including Canada, Indonesia, and Taiwan.[4] The protests are also a part of the Occupy Movement, a movement dedicated to protesting against capitalism and the corruption of corporations and to finding solidarity within labor unions and other activist groups.[4]
North America
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Canada
Protesters in Canada demonstrated to bring awareness about the impact that federal government budget cuts had on employment and job loss.[5] The protest in Montreal also turned violent as more than 100 people were arrested during the protest.[5]
United States
Protests were held from coast to coast in major cities including New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.[6][7] Protests were often organized by Occupy movement. Turnout was lower than that of other countries because the protests were held on a work day.[citation needed]
- New York City – There were rallies protesting Wall Street, banks, and major institutions.[7][8] A march to Bank of America was led by Occupy Wall Street.[1][7] There were also protests of New York University's expansion into Greenwich Village.[7] At least 50 people were arrested.[7] Occupy Wall Street had called for a general strike, which did not materialize.[9]
- San Francisco – Protesters disrupted ferry service.[1]
- Oakland, California – Protests were dispersed by police with the use of tear gas.[10]
- Seattle - Protesters in Seattle, who primarily consisted of teens and young adults in their early 20s, demonstrated to call the end to capitalism.[11] The protests in Seattle got violent as windows and glass panels were shattered and smoke bombs were set off.[11]
Asia
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Indonesia
Thousands of protesters marched through the capital demanding higher wages and better working conditions.[12] President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono responded by announcing a higher tax-free income ceiling and additional subsidized housing.[12]
Philippines
Protesters gathered in Manila to demand higher wages and policies to prevent workers from termination.[13]
Taiwan
Protesters in Taiwan marched through the streets of downtown Taiwan to demand for a number of things including higher wages, lower school tuition, and better conditions for foreign workers.[14]
See also
References
- ^ a b c "May Day Rallies Draw Protesters Around World". VOA. 1 May 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
- ^ a b c Peterson, Abby; Wahlström, Mattias; Wennerhag, Magnus; Christancho, Camilo; Sabucedo, José-Manuel (15 October 2012). "May Day Demonstrations in Five European Countries". Mobilization: An International Quarterly. 17 (3): 281–300. doi:10.17813/maiq.17.3.u11178371006u588.
- ^ Toscano, Paul (1 May 2012). "The May Day 2012 Demonstrations". CNBC. Retrieved 12 May 2017.
- ^ a b Smith, Aaron. "Occupy May Day goes global". CNNMoney. Retrieved 12 May 2017.
- ^ a b "May Day draws rallies, protests across Canada". CBC News. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
- ^ FARNHAM, ALAN (1 May 2012). "2012 'May Day' Protests From Coast to Coast". ABC News. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
- ^ a b c d e Dobnik, Verena (2 May 2012). "May Day protest in NYC brings confrontations". Deseret News. Associated Press. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
- ^ Sushman, Bernard (1 May 2012). "Marches, Sit-Ins Mark May Day in New York". VOA. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
- ^ Fedynsky, Peter (1 May 2012). "Occupy's May Day on the Streets". VOA. New York. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
- ^ "Stinging gas sends May Day protesters fleeing". CBS News. 2 May 2012. Archived from the original on 3 May 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
- ^ a b "May Day protests turn violent in downtown Seattle". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
- ^ a b Lamb, Kate (1 May 2012). "Indonesian Laborers Demand Bigger Share of Profits". VOA. Jakarta. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
- ^ Taylor, Alan. "May Day Around the World". The Atlantic. Retrieved 15 April 2017.
- ^ "Workers demand pay hikes at Asia's May Day marches". NewsOK.com. 1 May 2012. Retrieved 4 May 2017.