May Day / International Workers Day
Submitted by Beth Pitterle
Members of the Racial Justice Ministry participated in the Milwaukee May Day rally, “A Day without Immigrants and Workers”, organized by Voces de la Frontera, to advocate for workers’ rights and social justice. We heard rousing words of call to action from local officials and other community leaders at the beginning and end of the event. It was inspiring to see people of all ages and cultures come together to commemorate the May Day history and support the ongoing workers’ rights struggles. Vibrant posters were abundant and chants supporting workers’ rights were heard throughout the walk.
Pope Francis strongly supported the rights of workers, from the right to organize in unions, a universal basic wage and advocacy for vulnerable workers. He often referred to St. Joseph, the carpenter, as a model of the dignity of labor and a role model for all workers.
The May Day event was a rallying cry against today’s injustices facing immigrants and working-class families. To know that this is an INTERNATIONAL commemorative day made the rally/march feel even more vital to support.