Events will include a march in the Twin Cities. See the MIRAC website for details. For a complete schedule of events around the nation, go to www.mayday2007.org
On Friday, the Los Angeles Port Authority declared the port would be closed for a May 1 "holiday." The decision came after the independent truckers of the Port of Aztlan, working with the Industrial Workers of the World, said they would stay from work as part of a national day to demonstrate the economic power of Latino workers and to demand reform of the nation\'s immigration laws.
The Port Authority decided to act to avoid potential litigation from shippers facing dockers\' and demurrage fees for goods left on the dock during the truckers\' strike, the workers said.
Ernesto Nevarez, spokesperson for the truckers, explained, "[The Port Authority] knows the truckers are going to do it [strike] anyway. By calling it a legal holiday, they avoid liability for the shutdown. We forced them to recognize May Day."
The announcement culminated several months\' worth of planning. According to the IWW , independent truckers of the Port of Aztlan lost their right to organize a quarter century ago when Congress approved deregulation of trucking and other transportation industries. Now considered "independent contractors," the truckers struggle to make a living wage and provide for their families.
Truckers also shut down the port during last year\'s May 1 mobilization.
"Migrants are just the victims of the global economy and politics, people who want to survive," Nevarez said. "That\'s why we\'re out here."
This article is adapted from a report on the website, Aztlan Electronic News, www.aztlanelectronicnews.net/content/view/141/1/
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Events will include a march in the Twin Cities. See the MIRAC website for details. For a complete schedule of events around the nation, go to www.mayday2007.org
On Friday, the Los Angeles Port Authority declared the port would be closed for a May 1 "holiday." The decision came after the independent truckers of the Port of Aztlan, working with the Industrial Workers of the World, said they would stay from work as part of a national day to demonstrate the economic power of Latino workers and to demand reform of the nation\’s immigration laws.
The Port Authority decided to act to avoid potential litigation from shippers facing dockers\’ and demurrage fees for goods left on the dock during the truckers\’ strike, the workers said.
Ernesto Nevarez, spokesperson for the truckers, explained, "[The Port Authority] knows the truckers are going to do it [strike] anyway. By calling it a legal holiday, they avoid liability for the shutdown. We forced them to recognize May Day."
The announcement culminated several months\’ worth of planning. According to the IWW , independent truckers of the Port of Aztlan lost their right to organize a quarter century ago when Congress approved deregulation of trucking and other transportation industries. Now considered "independent contractors," the truckers struggle to make a living wage and provide for their families.
Truckers also shut down the port during last year\’s May 1 mobilization.
"Migrants are just the victims of the global economy and politics, people who want to survive," Nevarez said. "That\’s why we\’re out here."
This article is adapted from a report on the website, Aztlan Electronic News, www.aztlanelectronicnews.net/content/view/141/1/