2012 May Day protests

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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[]

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[]

Voice of America report on New York City May Day protests.

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]

Asia[]

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[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b c "May Day Rallies Draw Protesters Around World". VOA. 1 May 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  2. ^ Jump up to: 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.
  3. ^ Toscano, Paul (1 May 2012). "The May Day 2012 Demonstrations". CNBC. Retrieved 12 May 2017.
  4. ^ Jump up to: a b Smith, Aaron. "Occupy May Day goes global". CNNMoney. Retrieved 12 May 2017.
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b "May Day draws rallies, protests across Canada". CBC News. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  6. ^ FARNHAM, ALAN (1 May 2012). "2012 'May Day' Protests From Coast to Coast". ABC News. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  7. ^ Jump up to: 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.
  8. ^ Sushman, Bernard (1 May 2012). "Marches, Sit-Ins Mark May Day in New York". VOA. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  9. ^ Fedynsky, Peter (1 May 2012). "Occupy's May Day on the Streets". VOA. New York. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  10. ^ "Stinging gas sends May Day protesters fleeing". CBS News. 2 May 2012. Archived from the original on 3 May 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  11. ^ Jump up to: a b "May Day protests turn violent in downtown Seattle". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  12. ^ Jump up to: a b Lamb, Kate (1 May 2012). "Indonesian Laborers Demand Bigger Share of Profits". VOA. Jakarta. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  13. ^ Taylor, Alan. "May Day Around the World". The Atlantic. Retrieved 15 April 2017.
  14. ^ "Workers demand pay hikes at Asia's May Day marches". NewsOK.com. 1 May 2012. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
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