WHEREAS, May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, has its roots in the United States and is now recognized in dozens of countries around the world as a day to honor and fight for the rights of workers;
WHEREAS, the significance of May Day to the labor movement began with the movement for an eight-hour workday that led to a general strike in Chicago on May 1, 1886, with the investment of new significance in the day in 2006 when massive rallies were held for immigration reform, and in recent years with labor unions and immigrant advocacy organizations in New York City participating together as natural allies in May Day demonstrations; and
WHEREAS, continuing this proud history, this year’s May Day theme will be labor rights, immigrant rights and jobs for all; and
WHEREAS, the goal for May Day 2013 is to continue the fight against the present unprecedented attacks against working families and to push for passage this spring of comprehensive immigration reform in Congress; and
WHEREAS, on May 1st, 2013, there will be a rally and march sponsored by the Labor Rights, Immigrant Rights, Jobs for All Coalition starting at the south side of Union Square at 4 p.m.; and
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED:
THAT the United Federation of Teachers will fully support and participate in the May Day 2013 Labor Rights, Immigrant Rights and Jobs for All rally and march.