Mass youth revolt shakes Spain
Tahrir Square comes to Madrid
By Ben Carroll
Published May 25, 2011 3:44 PM
Madrid, May 21.
Drawing inspiration from the fighting spirit and determination of Tahrir Square and the peoples of Egypt, Tunisia and the Middle East, the peoples of Spain took the struggle against capitalist austerity, mass unemployment and the conditions of the economic crisis to a new level this past week.
Demonstrations and occupations of city plazas erupted across the Spanish state beginning on May 15 and, as of May 23, show no signs of faltering.
On May 15, a week before regional and local elections were to take place, protests started up in cities throughout the country against the government’s austerity program and mass unemployment, as well as to demand a number of democratic reforms of the political system.
The officially reported unemployment rate sits at a staggering 21.3 percent, the highest in Europe. For young people, the statistics are even worse, as 45 percent of people aged 18 to 25 are unemployed. The situation for youth is so dire that they are referred to as the “youth without a future” or “the lost generation.” Many have begun referring to themselves as “los indignados” (those who are “fed up”).
Tens of thousands were in the streets that day. Following the demonstration in Madrid, young people and workers took over and began an around-the-clock occupation of the central plaza there, the Puerta del Sol. This bold action inspired numerous other occupations of plazas in major cities throughout the country; people demonstrated in more than 166 cities during the week. At least 10 occupations of city squares were also being reported in Italy, and there was a protest outside the Spanish Embassy in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic.
While the capitalist-owned press has heavily focused on the role of social media in these demonstrations — and it is undeniable that those sites have been an important tool among many used by organizers — it is the objective conditions of the capitalist crisis, the austerity measures and anger over the bank bailouts that have driven masses of young people and workers into the streets throughout the Spanish state, from Galicia to the Basque Country to Catalonia, as well as in the capital city.
“I’m here against the system, against everything, the banks, the government, the Popular Party, unemployment. You name it. Nothing works,” journalism student Sabina Ortega told the Christian Science Monitor (May 20). “It’s against a two-party system. And my goal is to feel represented. I want politicians to know they are not listening. I’ll stay here as long as I have to.”
Despite a ban imposed on the occupations by the Spanish government on May 20, two days ahead of the scheduled elections, tens of thousands of people in Puerta del Sol and elsewhere around the country defied these orders and continued to hold the encampments. Some plan to stay until the following weekend.
Aerial photos of the Puerta del Sol in Madrid show a number of large banners that were raised in the square. One of the most prominent reads, “La crisis es el capitalismo” (“The crisis is capitalism”). Tents and other structures — offering medical, legal and food services — have been established and demonstrators have constituted various assemblies to carry out the many tasks required to maintain the occupation and to vote on different political objectives.
Many of the different communist parties and organizations active in the Spanish state have issued statements of support for the wave of occupations, dubbed the 15-M (May 15) movement, and have been active participants in these demonstrations. They view their main tasks as helping to develop and deepen the working-class consciousness of the protests and to unite the various sectors that are in motion against the capitalist austerity in order to open a broader, worker-led political struggle against the Spanish state and the two ruling parties — the Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) and the People’s Party (PP).
Spain in context
In the elections held May 22, the governing PSOE was dealt a defeat by the PP, even in strongholds the self-styled socialists have held since the end of Franco’s fascist dictatorial rule in the mid-1970s, at which time a number of democratic reforms were introduced.
Despite what its name might suggest, the PSOE is a historically social democratic party that currently occupies a position similar to the one the Democratic Party holds here in the U.S. At its congress back in 1979, the PSOE renounced Marxism and the revolutionary struggle of the working class and is now one of the two main capitalist parties in the country.
The other, the People’s Party (PP), is a right-wing party formed in 1989 as a result of the merger of various reactionary parties. Many in the leadership of the PP have connections going back to the Franco regime, with some even having served under him during the fascist rule over the country from 1940 to 1975.
Spain has the world’s twelfth-largest economy. Spain also has the European Union’s third-largest budget deficit and may, like Ireland, Greece and Portugal, be forced to accept a devastating IMF austerity package if it cannot satisfy the banks with its own austerity measures soon.
Within the Galician, Basque and Catalonian regions of the Spanish state there are movements for national self-determination.
Of the three main countrywide trade union federations, only one, the CGT, has continued to wage an open struggle against the state around the austerity programs. The other two federations — the UGT and the Workers’ Commissions (CCOO) — granted concessions to the PSOE government following the country’s first general strike in more than 10 years last Sept. 29 and agreed to stop future mass actions of workers. Most regional unions in the Basque Country, however, support the workers’ struggles.
Capitalism to blame
Although the current demonstrations began one week prior to elections, this revolt is directed not merely against one capitalist party or the other, but is an uprising against the miserable conditions that have been forced upon young people and workers by capitalism and the global crisis, which is now four years old.
The workers, the unemployed and the young people of the Spanish state are following the heroic example of the peoples of Egypt, Tunisia and elsewhere throughout North Africa and the Middle East as they take their destiny into their own hands and fight back.
The May 22 elections came and went, but the occupation shows no signs of giving up. Organizers have continued to hold the encampments in Madrid and elsewhere throughout the country and have set May 28 as another major day of demonstrations.
----------------
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
Thursday, 19 May 2011
AUCPB-CLASS STRUGGLE MAY 19
RALLY AND MARCH BY PENSIONERS ON MAY 12 NOVOSIBIRSK- RUSSIA
17.05.2011 10:36
On May 12, the tenth pensioners protest was held in Novosibirsk against the decision of the Governor Yurchenko to abolish unlimited free travel on public transport. The Governor hoped that by the building of his residence, angry people would no longer meet, but - the struggle continues!
Although this time were about 400 people, significantly less than in previous times, this was associated with the beginning of the summer season. High social tension and anger by pensioners towards the policy of the governor remains.
The authorities are enraged, fearing the people's wrath. After exhausting all means to extinguish the protest, the government turned to the servants of crime. On April 29, on the eve of the last protest, one of the organizers of the protest was kidnapped, beaten and taken to the woods, where he was threatened with physical violence if he did not end the pensioners’ struggle.
The judiciary has also come out against the popular protests. If the district court found the actions of the mayor's office prohibiting protests illegal, then the regional court acquitted the mayor action, thereby denying pensioners the right to express their views freely. It is clear: the decision of the regional court –is an order given by the authorities!
The authorities, police, judiciary and criminal elements are demonstrating their incredible unity in the fight against the people.
On May 11, active pensioners who are members of the Organizing Committee met with the Governor, for holding public actions in the interest of protecting the rights of pensioners. The pensioners demanded from the governor that he reverse his disgraceful decision and adopt a regional law, which guarantees the right to unlimited free travel for pensioners. The governor "promised" to expand the category of pensioners (eg, veterans of the Leningrad blockade), who would be returned unlimited travel, but refused to revoke the decision.
But the people do not need half-solutions, they demand the complete abolition of the shameful decision.
Several political parties and organizations involved in the protests, are trying to minimize the protest by people against governor Yurchenko, supposedly wanting to direct the protest against another clan of the bourgeoisie - Tolokonski-Gorodetsky, and use the protests only to get the votes of the electorate in the upcoming election. This amounts to plotting with the government against the pensioners.
It is no coincidence that at the rally at the Governor's residence on May 12 there was no banner of the "Patriots of Russia and the Movement Against Illegal Immigration (NPNI), which amounts to a manifestation of "loyalty" to the governor. On the eve of the rally, the AUCPB was dismissed as the leading representative, and instead, the rally was led by the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR). The leitmotif of the speeches made by these "politicians" were no longer the demand of the return of unlimited free travel, but instead, praises towards the governor, by saying, that there have been "real changes in the actions of the governor." These political parties are making moves towards these protests being shifted away from the residence of the Governor to the Opera House, where they you can easily rattle hot air and "catch" future votes from the naive electorate. Only thanks to the speeches and actions of the AUCPB and “Trudovaya Rossiya” was a strong position voiced: as long as the governor does not reverse his disgraceful decision, public protest will continue, and in the autumn - the people hit with renewed vigour.
The leading force of the same rally, giving it the proper tension and political orientation, was a representative of the AUCPB.
We Bolsheviks believe that between "warring" clans of the ruling criminal regime there is no essential difference, and that they are biting at each other to get first place in robbing the working people.
The representative of the AUCPB announced (despite opposition from some) the meeting time and place for the following actions during the summer period, as was customary at the Organizing Committee: on the 12th of each month (June, July and August) at 12.00 people will gather in front of going to the residence of governor Yurchenko. The struggle continues!
Ours cause is right - victory will be with us!
Down with the power of big capital!
Grigory Pavlev, AUCPB
P.S. Unfortunately, the other communist forces (RCWP-RPK, AKM, Komsomol) are afraid to take the lead as the organizers-statesmen or leaders of the rallies and marches, preferring only to participate, thus giving leadership in the struggle to bourgeois parties. In addition, the representative of the RCWP stands for the ending of the protests for the summer (in fact - for the elimination or transfer of the leadership to other parties), and wash to its hands from active participation in the preparation of a leafleting campaign, handing over the cause to its political opponents. In fact, it's the same defeatist attitude.
Source
Photos
============================================
IN ATHENS, DEMONSTRATORS CLASH WITH POLICE
17.05.2011 10:34
For the second day in the capital of Greece there are riots and protesters clash with police. Protesters against the austerity measures announced by the Greek government, set fire to bus stops, garbage cans and smashed the windows of banks and shops as well as throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at police. In response, police fired tear gas.
At time of reporting there was no accurate information about how many people were hurt in the clashes, according to RIA Novosti. However, we know that the fury of protesters brought about, in their view, brutal actions by the police on the eve - May 11, during confrontations with law enforcement agencies where dozens of people suffered at the hands of them, with one of the demonstrators injured is in a coma with severe head injuries. Police said 15 officers were injured.
The country's authorities have promised to investigate all incidents of the police forces and punish the perpetrators. It is reported that four riot police have already been suspended from duty because of brutally beating of one of the demonstrators, which local television stations filmed on camera.
Mass protests began in Greece in May 2010 after authorities announced spending cuts in the country, in return for financial assistance from the EU and the IMF to the amount of 110 billion dollars. The country was on the verge of default, so the government was forced to take unpopular measures.
[14/05/2011]
======================================
Uzbekistan
UZBEK WORKERS REFUSED TO WORK ON CONSTRUCTION FEFU
17.05.2011 10:29
More than 130 Uzbek workers involved in the construction of the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) on the island of Russky in Vladivostok, refused to come to work because of delays in salary, told RIA Novosti on May 11 press secretary of the Far Eastern Branch of ZAO "Crocus" - the construction contractor, Ekaterina Chernenko.
In preparation for the APEC summit in 2012 on the island of Russky, large-scale construction projects are underway. In particular, the construction of the Far Eastern Federal University, which will host the 2012 APEC summit, employs 10 thousand people from 12 nationalities.
"Over 130 Uzbek workers have come to us with statements about the delay of salary, employed in the subcontracting company Budai, which employs several hundred people who are working on the island," - she said, without specifying the amount owed.
During the proceedings, representatives of the contractor found that workers should get paid on 5 May, and the money for this purpose will be transferred on time.
"However, due to holidays, the money is stuck in the bank. Payment of wages has already begun and will end on May 13," - she said.
Last week it became known that a claim for wages was expressed by 180 Turkish workers engaged in the construction of FEFU. However, after negotiations with the contractor, most of them expressed a desire to work again on the construction of the university,” the deputy director of the Far Eastern Branch of ZAO "Crocus", Yaroslav Vokresensky told journalists.
In February, the construction company did not timely pay its workers employed in the construction of the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) in Vladivostok, and was suspended from work at the facility and denied accreditation from government customers. In autumn 2010, about 250 Chinese construction workers, employed in this company, because of delays in salary suspended work on construction of the FEFU.
The APEC summit will be held in Russia in the Far East, in September 8-9, 2012. Much of the summit facilities will be built on the island of Russky. The main objects are the bridge across Zoloty Rog and the bridge onto the island of Russky, as well as the Far Eastern Federal University.
RIA Novosti 05/11/1911
=======================================
IN KALININGRAD WAS A STRIKE OF SEAMEN SHIP «POLARIS»
17.05.2011 10:27
Today in the port of Kaliningrad there was a strike by the crew of the ship «Polaris», the reason for that was the notorious arrears of wages to the seafarers. Fortunately, the labour dispute was resolved fairly quickly thanks to the participation in this case of the inspector of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) in Kaliningrad, Vadim Mamontov. By the way, setting this little transport in port and the subsequent protest coincided with a court hearing taking place in Klaipeda, the bankruptcy of the shipping company UAB «Passat», which by the end of last year belonged to the «Polaris» under the name «Vigo».
Having changed its name, but kept the crew, ship moved to the new operator - «MD Shipping Co» (Odessa, Ukraine). On this the crew found out that on this trip that they had worked several months on «Passat» for "free." When the ship with the new name called «Polaris» had a new owner, the boys had a legitimate question: how to deal with the wage debt? The answer to this was given to the sailors in the port of Nouadhibou (Mauritania): the Superintendent of Odessa, who came on board to deal with this unpleasant situation, promised to settle the matter by paying the money. In the text of telegrams, sent on behalf of management of «MD Shipping Co», said: "The whole salary for the period worked will be paid at a port of change." That was to be Kaliningrad.
What a surprise sailors had when the ITF inspector Vadim Mamontov when visiting the vessel contacted the shipowner in the presence of seafarers to confirm the information already received, and heard in reply that no promises were given to the crew. And so then they declared the strike, which the stevedoring company and all cargo owners received notice of. As noted by Vadim Mamontov, the reaction of businesses in the recipient of goods from Vologda to Petersburg was pleasantly surprising. They all wondered what had happened, but in the end wished the sailors good luck.
The very next day all the money in arrears, including costs to return home, were transferred to the families of sailors: the strike was over, and unloading began. Two days later the guys went home. "During the protest, from one side to the other sounded harsh words, justified by the exigencies of the moment only, but the blame was initially due to some uncertainty when re-signing contracts in Mauritania” - summed up the ITF inspector in Kaliningrad. - The ship’s crew remained in arrears, hence the strike. "
Russian Trade Union of Seamen
============================================
Russia
TOMSK BUILDERS ON ONE-DAY STRIKE
17.05.2011 10:26
On May 10, workers of the construction company "Continent" (Tomsk) went on strike because of delays in salary.
“Today we have started an indefinite strike to demand payment of wage arrears. Management promised to pay back the money in February to the end of March. But they say that there is no money because the apartments are not sold” - quoted one of the strikers, foremen Alexander Kiselev – internet portal tv2.tomsk.ru at 13:21 local time.
Also, according to the foreman, the director of “Continent" promised the 27 striking workers to pay the debts to the nearest Friday and threatened with dismissal if they did not continue to work today. Arrears of wages for February and March of this year for to each worker, said Alexander Kiselyov, amounts to about 35,000 rubles.
However, there is a likelihood that the builders will not have to wait until the end of the week for this money. Within five hours after getting news about the strike, management of Continent made a statement.
- “The incident has been dealt with, the wages shall be issued over the counter…
solidarnost.org 10.05.11
==========================================
GENERAL STRIKE PARALYZED LIFE IN ITALY
17.05.2011 10:24
06.05
Schools are not working, the buses pass by the stops, airports have reduced the number of flights - Life in Italy is today paralyzed by a general national strike. Urban transport has not worked since 4:00 in the morning, and drivers are not going to go out on route in the evening "rush hour". The railroad workers are on strike from 14.00.
What do residents of the capital do in such a situation?
"Return home is the only thing- says a woman. - I was hoping that all is not so bad, not at this scale. Still, I thought I can get to the pharmacy at the Vatican. But apparently, I have to return home. "
Not only overland but also underground transport is working sporadically. Civil servants demand the Government cut taxes and provide more employment.
Tourists in Rome, Naples and other Italian cities today have the opportunity not only to walk a lot, but to see mass demonstrations of workers.
IA euronews
===================
BECAUSE OF WAGE ARREARS, OVER A HUNDRED EMPLOYEES OF MINING AND CHEMICAL COMPLEX “BOR” HAVE STOPPED WORK
17.05.2011 10:23
In Primorye, because of wage arrears, over a hundred employees of various departments of the mining and chemical complex Bor have stopped work
This is a city-forming enterprise of Dalnegorsk. The representative of the trade union at the enterprise Sergey Matveyev said that the total debt has reached 27 million rubles. More than half of "Bora" workers have not received money, Interfax reported.
=========================
17.05.2011 10:36
On May 12, the tenth pensioners protest was held in Novosibirsk against the decision of the Governor Yurchenko to abolish unlimited free travel on public transport. The Governor hoped that by the building of his residence, angry people would no longer meet, but - the struggle continues!
Although this time were about 400 people, significantly less than in previous times, this was associated with the beginning of the summer season. High social tension and anger by pensioners towards the policy of the governor remains.
The authorities are enraged, fearing the people's wrath. After exhausting all means to extinguish the protest, the government turned to the servants of crime. On April 29, on the eve of the last protest, one of the organizers of the protest was kidnapped, beaten and taken to the woods, where he was threatened with physical violence if he did not end the pensioners’ struggle.
The judiciary has also come out against the popular protests. If the district court found the actions of the mayor's office prohibiting protests illegal, then the regional court acquitted the mayor action, thereby denying pensioners the right to express their views freely. It is clear: the decision of the regional court –is an order given by the authorities!
The authorities, police, judiciary and criminal elements are demonstrating their incredible unity in the fight against the people.
On May 11, active pensioners who are members of the Organizing Committee met with the Governor, for holding public actions in the interest of protecting the rights of pensioners. The pensioners demanded from the governor that he reverse his disgraceful decision and adopt a regional law, which guarantees the right to unlimited free travel for pensioners. The governor "promised" to expand the category of pensioners (eg, veterans of the Leningrad blockade), who would be returned unlimited travel, but refused to revoke the decision.
But the people do not need half-solutions, they demand the complete abolition of the shameful decision.
Several political parties and organizations involved in the protests, are trying to minimize the protest by people against governor Yurchenko, supposedly wanting to direct the protest against another clan of the bourgeoisie - Tolokonski-Gorodetsky, and use the protests only to get the votes of the electorate in the upcoming election. This amounts to plotting with the government against the pensioners.
It is no coincidence that at the rally at the Governor's residence on May 12 there was no banner of the "Patriots of Russia and the Movement Against Illegal Immigration (NPNI), which amounts to a manifestation of "loyalty" to the governor. On the eve of the rally, the AUCPB was dismissed as the leading representative, and instead, the rally was led by the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR). The leitmotif of the speeches made by these "politicians" were no longer the demand of the return of unlimited free travel, but instead, praises towards the governor, by saying, that there have been "real changes in the actions of the governor." These political parties are making moves towards these protests being shifted away from the residence of the Governor to the Opera House, where they you can easily rattle hot air and "catch" future votes from the naive electorate. Only thanks to the speeches and actions of the AUCPB and “Trudovaya Rossiya” was a strong position voiced: as long as the governor does not reverse his disgraceful decision, public protest will continue, and in the autumn - the people hit with renewed vigour.
The leading force of the same rally, giving it the proper tension and political orientation, was a representative of the AUCPB.
We Bolsheviks believe that between "warring" clans of the ruling criminal regime there is no essential difference, and that they are biting at each other to get first place in robbing the working people.
The representative of the AUCPB announced (despite opposition from some) the meeting time and place for the following actions during the summer period, as was customary at the Organizing Committee: on the 12th of each month (June, July and August) at 12.00 people will gather in front of going to the residence of governor Yurchenko. The struggle continues!
Ours cause is right - victory will be with us!
Down with the power of big capital!
Grigory Pavlev, AUCPB
P.S. Unfortunately, the other communist forces (RCWP-RPK, AKM, Komsomol) are afraid to take the lead as the organizers-statesmen or leaders of the rallies and marches, preferring only to participate, thus giving leadership in the struggle to bourgeois parties. In addition, the representative of the RCWP stands for the ending of the protests for the summer (in fact - for the elimination or transfer of the leadership to other parties), and wash to its hands from active participation in the preparation of a leafleting campaign, handing over the cause to its political opponents. In fact, it's the same defeatist attitude.
Source
Photos
============================================
IN ATHENS, DEMONSTRATORS CLASH WITH POLICE
17.05.2011 10:34
For the second day in the capital of Greece there are riots and protesters clash with police. Protesters against the austerity measures announced by the Greek government, set fire to bus stops, garbage cans and smashed the windows of banks and shops as well as throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at police. In response, police fired tear gas.
At time of reporting there was no accurate information about how many people were hurt in the clashes, according to RIA Novosti. However, we know that the fury of protesters brought about, in their view, brutal actions by the police on the eve - May 11, during confrontations with law enforcement agencies where dozens of people suffered at the hands of them, with one of the demonstrators injured is in a coma with severe head injuries. Police said 15 officers were injured.
The country's authorities have promised to investigate all incidents of the police forces and punish the perpetrators. It is reported that four riot police have already been suspended from duty because of brutally beating of one of the demonstrators, which local television stations filmed on camera.
Mass protests began in Greece in May 2010 after authorities announced spending cuts in the country, in return for financial assistance from the EU and the IMF to the amount of 110 billion dollars. The country was on the verge of default, so the government was forced to take unpopular measures.
[14/05/2011]
======================================
Uzbekistan
UZBEK WORKERS REFUSED TO WORK ON CONSTRUCTION FEFU
17.05.2011 10:29
More than 130 Uzbek workers involved in the construction of the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) on the island of Russky in Vladivostok, refused to come to work because of delays in salary, told RIA Novosti on May 11 press secretary of the Far Eastern Branch of ZAO "Crocus" - the construction contractor, Ekaterina Chernenko.
In preparation for the APEC summit in 2012 on the island of Russky, large-scale construction projects are underway. In particular, the construction of the Far Eastern Federal University, which will host the 2012 APEC summit, employs 10 thousand people from 12 nationalities.
"Over 130 Uzbek workers have come to us with statements about the delay of salary, employed in the subcontracting company Budai, which employs several hundred people who are working on the island," - she said, without specifying the amount owed.
During the proceedings, representatives of the contractor found that workers should get paid on 5 May, and the money for this purpose will be transferred on time.
"However, due to holidays, the money is stuck in the bank. Payment of wages has already begun and will end on May 13," - she said.
Last week it became known that a claim for wages was expressed by 180 Turkish workers engaged in the construction of FEFU. However, after negotiations with the contractor, most of them expressed a desire to work again on the construction of the university,” the deputy director of the Far Eastern Branch of ZAO "Crocus", Yaroslav Vokresensky told journalists.
In February, the construction company did not timely pay its workers employed in the construction of the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) in Vladivostok, and was suspended from work at the facility and denied accreditation from government customers. In autumn 2010, about 250 Chinese construction workers, employed in this company, because of delays in salary suspended work on construction of the FEFU.
The APEC summit will be held in Russia in the Far East, in September 8-9, 2012. Much of the summit facilities will be built on the island of Russky. The main objects are the bridge across Zoloty Rog and the bridge onto the island of Russky, as well as the Far Eastern Federal University.
RIA Novosti 05/11/1911
=======================================
IN KALININGRAD WAS A STRIKE OF SEAMEN SHIP «POLARIS»
17.05.2011 10:27
Today in the port of Kaliningrad there was a strike by the crew of the ship «Polaris», the reason for that was the notorious arrears of wages to the seafarers. Fortunately, the labour dispute was resolved fairly quickly thanks to the participation in this case of the inspector of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) in Kaliningrad, Vadim Mamontov. By the way, setting this little transport in port and the subsequent protest coincided with a court hearing taking place in Klaipeda, the bankruptcy of the shipping company UAB «Passat», which by the end of last year belonged to the «Polaris» under the name «Vigo».
Having changed its name, but kept the crew, ship moved to the new operator - «MD Shipping Co» (Odessa, Ukraine). On this the crew found out that on this trip that they had worked several months on «Passat» for "free." When the ship with the new name called «Polaris» had a new owner, the boys had a legitimate question: how to deal with the wage debt? The answer to this was given to the sailors in the port of Nouadhibou (Mauritania): the Superintendent of Odessa, who came on board to deal with this unpleasant situation, promised to settle the matter by paying the money. In the text of telegrams, sent on behalf of management of «MD Shipping Co», said: "The whole salary for the period worked will be paid at a port of change." That was to be Kaliningrad.
What a surprise sailors had when the ITF inspector Vadim Mamontov when visiting the vessel contacted the shipowner in the presence of seafarers to confirm the information already received, and heard in reply that no promises were given to the crew. And so then they declared the strike, which the stevedoring company and all cargo owners received notice of. As noted by Vadim Mamontov, the reaction of businesses in the recipient of goods from Vologda to Petersburg was pleasantly surprising. They all wondered what had happened, but in the end wished the sailors good luck.
The very next day all the money in arrears, including costs to return home, were transferred to the families of sailors: the strike was over, and unloading began. Two days later the guys went home. "During the protest, from one side to the other sounded harsh words, justified by the exigencies of the moment only, but the blame was initially due to some uncertainty when re-signing contracts in Mauritania” - summed up the ITF inspector in Kaliningrad. - The ship’s crew remained in arrears, hence the strike. "
Russian Trade Union of Seamen
============================================
Russia
TOMSK BUILDERS ON ONE-DAY STRIKE
17.05.2011 10:26
On May 10, workers of the construction company "Continent" (Tomsk) went on strike because of delays in salary.
“Today we have started an indefinite strike to demand payment of wage arrears. Management promised to pay back the money in February to the end of March. But they say that there is no money because the apartments are not sold” - quoted one of the strikers, foremen Alexander Kiselev – internet portal tv2.tomsk.ru at 13:21 local time.
Also, according to the foreman, the director of “Continent" promised the 27 striking workers to pay the debts to the nearest Friday and threatened with dismissal if they did not continue to work today. Arrears of wages for February and March of this year for to each worker, said Alexander Kiselyov, amounts to about 35,000 rubles.
However, there is a likelihood that the builders will not have to wait until the end of the week for this money. Within five hours after getting news about the strike, management of Continent made a statement.
- “The incident has been dealt with, the wages shall be issued over the counter…
solidarnost.org 10.05.11
==========================================
GENERAL STRIKE PARALYZED LIFE IN ITALY
17.05.2011 10:24
06.05
Schools are not working, the buses pass by the stops, airports have reduced the number of flights - Life in Italy is today paralyzed by a general national strike. Urban transport has not worked since 4:00 in the morning, and drivers are not going to go out on route in the evening "rush hour". The railroad workers are on strike from 14.00.
What do residents of the capital do in such a situation?
"Return home is the only thing- says a woman. - I was hoping that all is not so bad, not at this scale. Still, I thought I can get to the pharmacy at the Vatican. But apparently, I have to return home. "
Not only overland but also underground transport is working sporadically. Civil servants demand the Government cut taxes and provide more employment.
Tourists in Rome, Naples and other Italian cities today have the opportunity not only to walk a lot, but to see mass demonstrations of workers.
IA euronews
===================
BECAUSE OF WAGE ARREARS, OVER A HUNDRED EMPLOYEES OF MINING AND CHEMICAL COMPLEX “BOR” HAVE STOPPED WORK
17.05.2011 10:23
In Primorye, because of wage arrears, over a hundred employees of various departments of the mining and chemical complex Bor have stopped work
This is a city-forming enterprise of Dalnegorsk. The representative of the trade union at the enterprise Sergey Matveyev said that the total debt has reached 27 million rubles. More than half of "Bora" workers have not received money, Interfax reported.
=========================
Sunday, 8 May 2011
AUCPB-CLASS STRUGGLE MAY 08
ORGANIZER OF THE PROTEST MARCHES FOR UNLIMITED TRAVEL ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT, IGOR LOBAREV BEATEN UP IN NOVOSIBIRSK
One of the organizers and active participants in the mass protests against the abolition of unlimited travel for pensioners in Novosibirsk, Igor Lobarev on the eve of another rally was kidnapped and beaten up by unknown persons. On April 30, Тайге.инфо was able to contact Lobareva, who spoke about how in the morning on April 29 he was forcibly taken to a forest and kept there for several hours.
According to Igor Lobarev, around 9:30 am (6:30 am Moscow time) on Demakov street in Novosibirsk Akademgorodok someone shouted out to him from behind. Turning around, the activist was violently assaulted, and then a sack was pulled over his head, then he was bundled into a car. In the car, 56-year-old Lobarev tried to resist the kidnappers but was beaten up.
The political activist was taken into a forest, where he was told that there was nothing for him to do at the protest rallies and to stay away from them. In addition, according to Lobarev, the kidnappers said that it was they who had set fire to his car a few weeks ealier - shortly before another previous rally.
Approximately at 15:00 (12:00 Moscow time), Igor Lobarev was released. It was just at this time that on Lenin Square a rally at which he was to speak had ended. The kidnappers broke the sim-card in his mobile phone, and because of that, on the evening of 29 April he was unavailable.
Igor Lobarev examined his injuries from the beatings and reported the incident to the law enforcement bodies. According to Тайги.инфо (Taygi.info), the attack on him is now already under investigation.
===========================================
APRIL 29 AT KOMSOMOLSK-ON-AMUR, MARCH AND RALLY OF TEACHERS AND PARENTS OF TEN SCHOOLS WAS HELD
05.05.2011 10:46
The city administration wants to close secondary school № 10, situated in the village of Popov, referring to the supposedly lower class size. The school now teaches about 80 children from four villages - Halgaso, "Northern Town", Start, Popov. Another 100 children growing up, who in the coming years will also have to go to school.
The authorities are offering teachers and children to go to school number 35, which is located in the urban neighborhood of “Druzhba”. They will need to get there by bus that takes about an hour in each direction. In this case, shuttle buses from the village of Popova are to to town eavry 2.5 hours. Today in the village there are two kindergartens, and a House of Culture closed and abandoned. The school is the last centre of culture, and closing it down, means the authorities are abandoning the villagers “in the dark".
The residents of the village, parents and teachers are outraged by such indifference bythe city administration towards the people.
Therefore, a group of villagers together with representatives of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) had filed a notice to the authorities about the holding of a march and rally in defense of the ten schools.
A group of people marched along the pavement of Lenin Avenue and Prospect Mira from Lenin Square to Youth Square. The column was full of flags of the CPRF and the Komomols, with their own banner and placards.
At the rally the villagers, the parents of pupils, the teaching staff, and members of the Communist Party of the RF made speeches.
All speakers find it unacceptable to force children to travel about on buses, to deprive them of leisure time, healthy food, the possibilities of supplementary education in the afternoon, etc.,
At the rally, a resolution was read out, which was immediately handed to the management of the city administration since the head of the city did not want to meet with the teachers.
During the rally, members of the Communist Party held a popular referendum among those present.
"Sovyetskaya Rossiya" [30/04/2011]
=================================
IN TROITSK, CHELYABINSK OBLAST, WORKERS AT “TEPLOENERGOREMONT – URALS” WENT ON STRIKE
05.05.2011 10:13
In Troitsk, Chelyabinsk region, more than a hundred workers at Teploenergoremont - Urals went on strike in front of the administration building of the company to demand payment of wage arrears, a pay rise and improvement in working conditions. This was reported by 1obl.ru.
According to company welder Andrey Tokarev, production per worker amounts to 60 thousand rubles, whilst wages remain at the 2003 level. "Moreover, they are cutting wages" – said the angered worker.
This is not the first protest by the employees. Earlier they expressed their dissatisfaction with the situation. In turn, from the management, there were no promises about the timing of payment of wage arrears and better working conditions. Reportedly, the situation has been taken under the control of the Troitsk city adminstration, however, there is to date, still no positive result.
=======================================
STRIKE FORCES MANAGEMENT OF AVTOVAZ TO PAY BONUSES
05.05.2011 10:06
Workers at the 14/1 metallurgical production (MP) at AvtoVAZ, having announced an "Italian strike" in protest against the unlawful deprivation of bonuses for "quality of work done”, have won their fight: their saleries will be recalculated for March and April. Attempts by management to smooth over the conflict have been unsuccessful, as workers have acted publicly and unitedly. Management had to issue an order that restores the bonuses - it was published on April 28 in press-volga.ru.
We recall that about 300 workers on shopfloor 14/1 of metallurgical production at AvtoVAZ for almost a month carried out an "Italian strike", refusing to work overtime because of nonpayment of bonues for March. Chairman of the official trade union ACM Nicholas Karagin denied this information and ignored the conflict, but alternative trade union activists of "Unity" supported the strike with advice and tips and help in organising.
ИА «ИКД»
===================================
PROTEST RALLY BY MINERS IN KAZAKHSTAN
05.05.2011 09:56
Sixty miners from one of the "Kazchrom” mines in Aktyubinsky region came to a protest rally in the town of Khromtau.
They are dissatisfied with wages and working conditions. The workers were dispersed by the police, the problem remained unsolved, so the miners have promised to begin a general strike very soon.
Donskoy Mining – is one of the world's largest chrome ore mining complex. This is a structural unit of AO TNK Kazchrom, which, in turn, is part of the holding company Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation (ENRC) and is located in Khromtau in Aktyubinsky region. Here at the two mines in the plant last year, they have extracted more than four and a half million tons of ore.
Donskoy GOK gives Khromtau more than seven thousand new jobs and it is city forming enterprise. Sixty miners came to the square. According to the factory workers, the leadership deliberately set out a plan that is impossible for the miners to fulfil, to avoid paying decent wages. The miners feel that the the company has put such terms forwards because they know: another job in such a small town can not be found.
People do not believe that their problem will be solved so easily, so are promising to begin a general strike.
Source
=================================
One of the organizers and active participants in the mass protests against the abolition of unlimited travel for pensioners in Novosibirsk, Igor Lobarev on the eve of another rally was kidnapped and beaten up by unknown persons. On April 30, Тайге.инфо was able to contact Lobareva, who spoke about how in the morning on April 29 he was forcibly taken to a forest and kept there for several hours.
According to Igor Lobarev, around 9:30 am (6:30 am Moscow time) on Demakov street in Novosibirsk Akademgorodok someone shouted out to him from behind. Turning around, the activist was violently assaulted, and then a sack was pulled over his head, then he was bundled into a car. In the car, 56-year-old Lobarev tried to resist the kidnappers but was beaten up.
The political activist was taken into a forest, where he was told that there was nothing for him to do at the protest rallies and to stay away from them. In addition, according to Lobarev, the kidnappers said that it was they who had set fire to his car a few weeks ealier - shortly before another previous rally.
Approximately at 15:00 (12:00 Moscow time), Igor Lobarev was released. It was just at this time that on Lenin Square a rally at which he was to speak had ended. The kidnappers broke the sim-card in his mobile phone, and because of that, on the evening of 29 April he was unavailable.
Igor Lobarev examined his injuries from the beatings and reported the incident to the law enforcement bodies. According to Тайги.инфо (Taygi.info), the attack on him is now already under investigation.
===========================================
APRIL 29 AT KOMSOMOLSK-ON-AMUR, MARCH AND RALLY OF TEACHERS AND PARENTS OF TEN SCHOOLS WAS HELD
05.05.2011 10:46
The city administration wants to close secondary school № 10, situated in the village of Popov, referring to the supposedly lower class size. The school now teaches about 80 children from four villages - Halgaso, "Northern Town", Start, Popov. Another 100 children growing up, who in the coming years will also have to go to school.
The authorities are offering teachers and children to go to school number 35, which is located in the urban neighborhood of “Druzhba”. They will need to get there by bus that takes about an hour in each direction. In this case, shuttle buses from the village of Popova are to to town eavry 2.5 hours. Today in the village there are two kindergartens, and a House of Culture closed and abandoned. The school is the last centre of culture, and closing it down, means the authorities are abandoning the villagers “in the dark".
The residents of the village, parents and teachers are outraged by such indifference bythe city administration towards the people.
Therefore, a group of villagers together with representatives of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) had filed a notice to the authorities about the holding of a march and rally in defense of the ten schools.
A group of people marched along the pavement of Lenin Avenue and Prospect Mira from Lenin Square to Youth Square. The column was full of flags of the CPRF and the Komomols, with their own banner and placards.
At the rally the villagers, the parents of pupils, the teaching staff, and members of the Communist Party of the RF made speeches.
All speakers find it unacceptable to force children to travel about on buses, to deprive them of leisure time, healthy food, the possibilities of supplementary education in the afternoon, etc.,
At the rally, a resolution was read out, which was immediately handed to the management of the city administration since the head of the city did not want to meet with the teachers.
During the rally, members of the Communist Party held a popular referendum among those present.
"Sovyetskaya Rossiya" [30/04/2011]
=================================
IN TROITSK, CHELYABINSK OBLAST, WORKERS AT “TEPLOENERGOREMONT – URALS” WENT ON STRIKE
05.05.2011 10:13
In Troitsk, Chelyabinsk region, more than a hundred workers at Teploenergoremont - Urals went on strike in front of the administration building of the company to demand payment of wage arrears, a pay rise and improvement in working conditions. This was reported by 1obl.ru.
According to company welder Andrey Tokarev, production per worker amounts to 60 thousand rubles, whilst wages remain at the 2003 level. "Moreover, they are cutting wages" – said the angered worker.
This is not the first protest by the employees. Earlier they expressed their dissatisfaction with the situation. In turn, from the management, there were no promises about the timing of payment of wage arrears and better working conditions. Reportedly, the situation has been taken under the control of the Troitsk city adminstration, however, there is to date, still no positive result.
=======================================
STRIKE FORCES MANAGEMENT OF AVTOVAZ TO PAY BONUSES
05.05.2011 10:06
Workers at the 14/1 metallurgical production (MP) at AvtoVAZ, having announced an "Italian strike" in protest against the unlawful deprivation of bonuses for "quality of work done”, have won their fight: their saleries will be recalculated for March and April. Attempts by management to smooth over the conflict have been unsuccessful, as workers have acted publicly and unitedly. Management had to issue an order that restores the bonuses - it was published on April 28 in press-volga.ru.
We recall that about 300 workers on shopfloor 14/1 of metallurgical production at AvtoVAZ for almost a month carried out an "Italian strike", refusing to work overtime because of nonpayment of bonues for March. Chairman of the official trade union ACM Nicholas Karagin denied this information and ignored the conflict, but alternative trade union activists of "Unity" supported the strike with advice and tips and help in organising.
ИА «ИКД»
===================================
PROTEST RALLY BY MINERS IN KAZAKHSTAN
05.05.2011 09:56
Sixty miners from one of the "Kazchrom” mines in Aktyubinsky region came to a protest rally in the town of Khromtau.
They are dissatisfied with wages and working conditions. The workers were dispersed by the police, the problem remained unsolved, so the miners have promised to begin a general strike very soon.
Donskoy Mining – is one of the world's largest chrome ore mining complex. This is a structural unit of AO TNK Kazchrom, which, in turn, is part of the holding company Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation (ENRC) and is located in Khromtau in Aktyubinsky region. Here at the two mines in the plant last year, they have extracted more than four and a half million tons of ore.
Donskoy GOK gives Khromtau more than seven thousand new jobs and it is city forming enterprise. Sixty miners came to the square. According to the factory workers, the leadership deliberately set out a plan that is impossible for the miners to fulfil, to avoid paying decent wages. The miners feel that the the company has put such terms forwards because they know: another job in such a small town can not be found.
People do not believe that their problem will be solved so easily, so are promising to begin a general strike.
Source
=================================
Thursday, 5 May 2011
FINNISH WORKERS ST|RIKE
Finnish paper workers start three-day strike
Wednesday 04 May 2011
Printable
Email
A thousand members of trade union Pro launched a new three-day strike at paper giant UPM-Kymmene today.
The move is aimed at pressing Finnish Forest Industries Federation (FFIF) bosses to resume stalled negotiations.
State conciliator Esa Lonka was unable to shape a compromise proposal last week, the third consecutive week that the FFIF failed to resolve the downward-spiralling labour dispute with Pro.
The dispute rests on claims that the FFIF does not recognise unfair job demands on 4,000 clerical, technical and front-line supervisory personnel.
According to the union, redundancies and speed-ups over the past several years in the Finnish pulp and paper sector have resulted in its members being asked to work without adequate compensation, or without recognition of higher job competencies.
Separate strikes that 1,500 Pro members began on April 26 are continuing at other Finnish paper firms including Stora Enso and Metsä Tissue.
Source
Wednesday 04 May 2011
Printable
A thousand members of trade union Pro launched a new three-day strike at paper giant UPM-Kymmene today.
The move is aimed at pressing Finnish Forest Industries Federation (FFIF) bosses to resume stalled negotiations.
State conciliator Esa Lonka was unable to shape a compromise proposal last week, the third consecutive week that the FFIF failed to resolve the downward-spiralling labour dispute with Pro.
The dispute rests on claims that the FFIF does not recognise unfair job demands on 4,000 clerical, technical and front-line supervisory personnel.
According to the union, redundancies and speed-ups over the past several years in the Finnish pulp and paper sector have resulted in its members being asked to work without adequate compensation, or without recognition of higher job competencies.
Separate strikes that 1,500 Pro members began on April 26 are continuing at other Finnish paper firms including Stora Enso and Metsä Tissue.
Source
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
MAYDAY ACROSS THE GLOBE
SPAIN
Riots in Barcelona at the end of May Day, at least 10 arrested
AT least 10 arrested after the demostration of alternative collectives (communist, anarchist and pro-independence) in the rich zone of Barcelona. The demostration have started in the alternative zone of Gràcia and have marched to the rich zone on Sarrià and Pedralbes. Demostrators have attaqued banks, cars shops and police.
DEMOTIX PHOTOS
=====================
GREECE - ATHENS
Greek workers commemorate May Day with demonstration in AthensMedia Summary
Hundreds of Greek and immigrant workers came out on to the streets to commemorate the 125th anniversary of May Day with a huge demonstation in the centre of Athens.
Hundreds of Greek citizens workers, students together with immigrants demonstrated today to commemorate the "PROTOMAGIA" (first of may or Mayday in english) 125 th anniversary.
They were angry becouse they feel that Greek goverment in the name of the crisis is butchering their future. Job losses, cut in salarys and pensions together with rise in tax make their life unbearable.
125 years till the huge demonstration in Chicago that changed workers right and give rise to the unions all benefits that were earned with huge battles are taken back.In the name of the crisis the goverment is ready to anounce more austerity measures.
The participants took part in a traditional m,arch from the Mousio region of Athens to Vouli (parliament building in the Syndagma square).
Demonstrators were hostile against the heavy presence of riot police in full gear and they were cursing them. They were calling them butchers and collaborators.
PHOTOS FROM ATHENS
======================
Demonstration in Berlin on May DayMedia Summary
A large demonstration took place in Berlin on what is traditionally known as Labour day. Riot police were called in after various acts of violence and vandalism took place.
BERLIN MAYDAY
=========================
May Day demonstration in Montreal ends in RiotMedia Summary
A peaceful demonstration of around two thousand people celebrating international workers day in Montreal, turned into a confrontation between anarchists, communists and and riot police.
Today May 1st, this was an opportunity for the various forces of the left and extreme left in Quebec to demonstrate their determination to break the capitalist system. The event was organized by different social groups, like "CLAC" (Coalition for the anti-capitalism forces), "Baby BLOCK" (Coalition of mothers and their baby for more social justice), "Anarchist Skinheads", Communists, bolchevists and many others.
The event, which gathered nearly two thousand people, began peacefully at three p.m. at Parc Émilie-Gamelin, a strategic place use by different groups of social demands in Montreal. The street kids who frequent the park often complain of harassment by police who claim they respond to complaints from merchants in the surrounding downtown Montreal. The demonstration quickly turned into a confrontation with the anti-riots police. - Montreal, Canada 01/05/2011
MAYDAY CANADA PHOTOS
=================
Riots in Barcelona at the end of May Day, at least 10 arrested
AT least 10 arrested after the demostration of alternative collectives (communist, anarchist and pro-independence) in the rich zone of Barcelona. The demostration have started in the alternative zone of Gràcia and have marched to the rich zone on Sarrià and Pedralbes. Demostrators have attaqued banks, cars shops and police.
DEMOTIX PHOTOS
=====================
GREECE - ATHENS
Greek workers commemorate May Day with demonstration in AthensMedia Summary
Hundreds of Greek and immigrant workers came out on to the streets to commemorate the 125th anniversary of May Day with a huge demonstation in the centre of Athens.
Hundreds of Greek citizens workers, students together with immigrants demonstrated today to commemorate the "PROTOMAGIA" (first of may or Mayday in english) 125 th anniversary.
They were angry becouse they feel that Greek goverment in the name of the crisis is butchering their future. Job losses, cut in salarys and pensions together with rise in tax make their life unbearable.
125 years till the huge demonstration in Chicago that changed workers right and give rise to the unions all benefits that were earned with huge battles are taken back.In the name of the crisis the goverment is ready to anounce more austerity measures.
The participants took part in a traditional m,arch from the Mousio region of Athens to Vouli (parliament building in the Syndagma square).
Demonstrators were hostile against the heavy presence of riot police in full gear and they were cursing them. They were calling them butchers and collaborators.
PHOTOS FROM ATHENS
======================
Demonstration in Berlin on May DayMedia Summary
A large demonstration took place in Berlin on what is traditionally known as Labour day. Riot police were called in after various acts of violence and vandalism took place.
BERLIN MAYDAY
=========================
May Day demonstration in Montreal ends in RiotMedia Summary
A peaceful demonstration of around two thousand people celebrating international workers day in Montreal, turned into a confrontation between anarchists, communists and and riot police.
Today May 1st, this was an opportunity for the various forces of the left and extreme left in Quebec to demonstrate their determination to break the capitalist system. The event was organized by different social groups, like "CLAC" (Coalition for the anti-capitalism forces), "Baby BLOCK" (Coalition of mothers and their baby for more social justice), "Anarchist Skinheads", Communists, bolchevists and many others.
The event, which gathered nearly two thousand people, began peacefully at three p.m. at Parc Émilie-Gamelin, a strategic place use by different groups of social demands in Montreal. The street kids who frequent the park often complain of harassment by police who claim they respond to complaints from merchants in the surrounding downtown Montreal. The demonstration quickly turned into a confrontation with the anti-riots police. - Montreal, Canada 01/05/2011
MAYDAY CANADA PHOTOS
=================
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