Photos: Support of longshore workers strike in Rome, Italy

We :loveya: ILWU!

Yesterday we went to the traditional May Day mega-concert in Rome by the Italian trade unions (it's a holiday here :))to handed out flyers in support the longshore workers strike protesting of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

We wore No Peace? No Work! stickers and we were at times mobbed for our flyers. Italians and tourists were curious and thrilled with the news. We also had people pose with a "We heart ILWU" sign.

Last week we translated the ILWU resolution and sent it around to Italian trade unions and peace groups, soliciting messages of support for ILWU. The translation was published on close to 100 web sites. Italians needed some good news after the disastrous elections!

Some photos from yesterday:

Handing out flyers


French tourists in support of ILWU


Some impeach signs for Mission Accomplished Day


Group photo for ILWU


And one of our leftover stickers on a poster covering the name of Rome's new right wing mayor


More photos at:
http://www.peaceandjustice.it/g-mayday.php


News round up:

Reuters:
http://www.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUSN01451100

AFP:
http://www.france24.com/en/20080502-us-west-coast-dockworkers-1-day-strike-over-iraq-union

New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/02/us/02port.html?ref=us

Los Angeles Times:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-me-ports2-2008may02,0,5235860.story

San Francisco Chronicle:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/05/01/BUTM10FDD1.DTL

Thanks for being involved, and thanks for sharing the info and pics! :hi: Recommend!

with this protest.
It was an international effort.

:applause:

Thanks so much for sharing this steph!

:)

K&R

we all need to show our support

Thank you.

Thank you! :pals:

which makes up a lot of the work of our group -- to make sure people know about the movement in the US.

Thanks!

Our French "cousins" Americans Against War in Paris as Americans for Peace & Justice in Montpellier also sent messages of support.

http://www.peaceandjustice.it/ilwu-mayday.php#statement

Dear Brothers and Sisters of ILWU,

When our Rome-based peace group learned of your planned May Day strike to express opposition to the ongoing, unjust wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, we immediately felt a strong sense of solidarity and support for your determination and courageous direct action. In spite of the thousands of miles separating us physically, we want you to know that we are right beside you in spirit and in purpose.

As our voices of dissent often seem to go unheard it is all the more vital that we take this and every opportunity to protest against the Bush administration's unbridled travesty of justice, democratic values and civil and human rights. In this way, we can try to help bring an end to the lies, deception and endless violence and killing that only drive lasting peace further away from our reach.

Our group – U.S. Citizens for Peace & Justice – was formed in March 2005, on the occasion of the second anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, as the result of a common desire to take part in the anti-war protest march held in Rome. Since then, we have continued to find as many ways and opportunities as we can to express our anti-war sentiments and to make our collective voice heard.

On May 1st, a national holiday in Italy, we will take the opportunity to commend your courage and support you in your planned strike by handing out flyers describing and explaining your decision to act. This will take place at Rome's traditional May 1st outdoor concert event, organized by Italy's trade unions. We have also publicized your action by translating your resolution and sending it to trade unions and organizations throughout Italy, where it has been published on dozens of web sites.

Your action is an inspiration for us all and we wish you success in carrying it out, especially in the face of the threat of legal action posed by your employers. We thank you for taking this important stand.

In Solidarity,

U.S. Citizens for Peace & Justice
Rome, Italy