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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]![[icon]](/index.php/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (May 2012) |
Canada
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]File:US May Day 2012 (VOA Report).ogv
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
[edit | edit source] | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (May 2012) |
Indonesia
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Protesters gathered in Manila to demand higher wages and policies to prevent workers from termination.[13]
Taiwan
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]- 2009 May Day protests
- 2013 May Day protests
- 2015 May Day protests
- 2017 May Day protests
- 2025 May Day protests
- List of protests in the 21st century
References
[edit | edit source]- ^ a b c Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ a b c Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ a b Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ a b Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ a b c d e Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ a b Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ a b Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).