May 1st - International Workers Day

[boris1gary]

In a little over 3 weeks it will again be May 1st, International Workers Day. This is celebrated all over the world. In my city we celebrated 100 years of May Day in 2011.

Over the next few weeks i will add to this thread - the upcoming May Day Marches around Australia and some history. Please add anything that is in keeping with the topic, positive comments, stories, etc most welcome.

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/635382/workers-walk-for-100th-may-day-march/

Below is an article from the local paper, May Day 2011.

Illawarra workers vowed to stand by coalminers and steelworkers in the "carbon-constrained economy" of the future during the 100th South Coast May Day march on Saturday.

Guest speakers included president of the Copper Miners' Union in Chile, Christian Cuvas, who spoke about the lack of OH&S standards in his country and the battle for reform

May Day Committee life member Fred Moore provided a history of May Day marches in the region and the fact that even the right to march in Wollongong had been earned."The first president of the South Coast Labour Council, Paddy Molloy, was jailed for 12 months for attempting to march at May Day,"

Mr Rorris said."We reflected on the gains of the last 100 years, the fact that the conditions we now enjoy, everything from sick leave through to superannuation, even the funding of Medicare, all of these things have been won through the sacrifices of the trade union movement and the workers who lead it."Mr Rorris said the march was also about facing the challenges of the future together.

[spotweldersfriend]

I marched in a couple of those back in the '70's. Whitlam was in power and there was a palpable sense of optimism.It's been downhill ever since.

[boris1gary]

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@spotweldersfriend wrote:
I marched in a couple of those back in the '70's. Whitlam was in power and there was a palpable sense of optimism.It's been downhill ever since.

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It can feel like that sometimes, just remember the future is ours. Athens and the Gong.

[spotweldersfriend]

I think you're right,if we re-enact 1789-1799 🙂

[lakeland27]

i remember that sense of optimism . there was good reason for it at the time, unfortunately Max and 99 were outfoxed by Sigfried when it really counted and now KAOS has the ascendancy.

[boris1gary]

And I thought I was a pessimistThis thread was supposed to be a positive, happy, cheering up kind of thread. Going great so far Spot and Lakeland27.

[spotweldersfriend]

They don't call me Hardy Har Har for nothing,boris 😄

[boris1gary]

Sydney May Day March

Join us at 11:30am on Sunday May 4th, 2014

outside State Parliament House, Macquarie Street Sydney,

for our annual May Day March.

http://www.unionsnsw.org.au/general-news/mayday2014/

Melbourne

This year Community Groups are invited to consider joining the contingent:
"Communities In Action" in the May Day March.
All individuals or groups who wish to raise their community issues are invited to bring their banners and join this contingent

WOLLONGONG

May Day March

10.am Saturday 3rd May

assemble at Lowdon Square Wollongong

[boris1gary]

May Day Festival and March

The Esplanade Reserve, Fremantle, The Esplanade, Fremantle, Perth

Sunday 4 May 2014, 12:00pm – 4:00pm

[boris1gary]

 The Queensland Council of Unions is  organising a March & Family Fun Day to

 celebrate the achievements of working people.

  BRISBANE

 SUNDAY 4th of MAY

 March Assembly and start point, Cnr Wharf & Turbot Sts 10am

March Commences 10.30am

Family Fun Day at RNA Showgrounds