Members stand in solidarity on May Day

MAPE members attended May Day actions across the state on Friday, May 1, in honor of workers’ rights. The MAPE Executive Team was spread out at events in Duluth, Moorhead, Minneapolis and even Washington, D.C. Speaker of the Meet and Confer Chairs Maureen Dunaway and Political Council Chair Nicole Juan attended the Duluth Rally.

“On May Day – or International Workers’ Day – we celebrate the achievements of workers in the labor movement while continuing to advocate for better working conditions, pay and rights. May Day’s history stems from an 1886 strike fighting for eight-hour workdays, among other demands, and honors Chicago workers killed during this struggle,” explained Juan. “It’s a day to recognize how far we have come while also realizing the fight isn’t over. This year’s theme was workers over billionaires.”

Juan said a highlight of the day was “meeting up with other MAPE members and other labor siblings. We had great conversations and took the opportunity to plan cross-union events.”

Juan was interviewed by Minnesota Public Radio and was quoted in their May 1 story saying, “I think this year is different. We're missing our union siblings who have been murdered or taken away by ICE,” she said. “We're also seeing a difference because workers are responding differently and afraid to go to their workplaces.”

MAPE members prepared for May Day by organizing their locals. Local 2101 member Ilya Garelik presented information and guidance to local members about the importance of May Day and building solidarity with other unions, the working class and immigrants.

“To me, May Day means building solidarity and advancing the interests of the working class and disenfranchised communities,” Garelik said. “Building the working-class movement requires participation and engagement from all workers.”

Organizing Council Chair Zac Echola was a chant leader at the Fargo/Moorhead rally, where about 150 people gathered. “The Interior Secretary and former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum owns a lot of the private property in downtown Fargo, which has been significantly subsidized by city taxpayers. We want our tax dollars to go to housing and education, not more tax breaks for the rich.”

MAPE Vice President Chris Smith said he joined several MAPE members from the Solidarity Caucus at the AFSCME Council 5 Rally outside the Minneapolis Government Center. “Then I went to the Unite Here 17 Picket at The Normandy Hotel with MAPE staff,” he said. “I was excited to see so many MAPE members out rallying and picketing. I would love to see MAPE members learn more about labor history, learn why May Day is important and have an even bigger turnout next year.”

“Though this year was especially powerful, in many ways it highlights who we are. MAPE members show up, lend a hand, and step up to fight for our communities and labor siblings - that is solidarity in action, and now more than ever we need to keep on fighting,” Juan added.