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May Day rally calls for an end to Iraq war
9 May 2008
Some 10,000 dock workers across the west of the US took action on 1 May to call for an end to the Iraq war.
Members of the ITF-affiliated International Longshore and Warehouse Union, were involved in protests across the 29 west coast ports in the US to call for an end to the occupation of Iraq. Activities included a rally of hundreds who marched in San Francisco.
Grassroots members decided early in February to take action on 1 May after Longshore Caucus delegates voted for the May Day rally. Employers were notified of the plan, but refused to accommodate the union’s request despite plenty of advance notice. The employers’ group, represented by the Pacific Maritime Association, consists of large carriers and port operators.
“Longshore workers are standing-down on the job and standing up for America,” said ILWU International President Bob McEllrath. “We’re supporting the troops and telling politicians in Washington that it’s time to end the war in Iraq.”
Other trade unions across the globe also marked May Day. Nepali trade unionists, for example, made a May Day declaration under the auspices of the Joint Trade Union Coordination Committee, which consists of Nepal’s eight national centres. They made a number of pledges, which included: to press all political parties to implement the labour agendas outlined in their election manifestos and to work together for lasting peace. Rallies were also held in Kathmandu.
Meanwhile, members of the ITF-affiliated South African Transport and Allied Workers' Union joined thousands of workers in rallies against unemployment, poverty, inequality and for the creation of decent work. In recognition of the role played by workers in the struggle against the apartheid regime, the government declared 1 May an official national holiday.
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