Vol. 72/No. 20      May 19, 2008

Demanding legalization for all undocumented immigrants and an end to raids and deportations, unionists—including truckers and garment and hotel workers—marched in colorful contingents. Hundreds of high school students walked out to join the actions.

Workers from Micro Solutions, a printer cartridge manufacturer in nearby Van Nuys, marched in a contingent. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raided the plant in February, arresting 138 workers and beginning deportation proceedings against them.

“Workers from here need to support this fight,” said Micro Solutions worker José Aguilar. “Blacks once fought against racism and discrimination. Today we’re fighting to win the respect and dignity we deserve.”

The workers have formed an organization, the United Workers of Van Nuys, and are publicly fighting their deportation. Many of these workers had to leave the rally early to make it home before 7:00 p.m., a curfew that the immigration judge imposed on them to try to undercut their organizing efforts.

One of the marches began at MacArthur Park, the scene of a Los Angeles police rampage on May Day last year when riot cops attacked demonstrators, journalists, and anyone who happened to be in the park.

A group of workers beaten by the cops last year marched with red T-shirts that said “fuimos golpeados, seguimos luchando” (We were beaten. We keep fighting). Many are suing the city.

This year the cops carried out menacing crowd control exercises leading up to the march. Police officials continue to place the blame for the police riot on the demonstrators.

More than 700 high school students walked out of school to join the demonstration. A very lively contingent of 40 students from West Adams Prep High came still sporting their school uniforms.

West Adams student Maria Cazares said the school district threatened to fine students who participated $250. “Over half of my school walked out anyway,” she said, “because we want our families to find a job and work in peace.”

Some 3,000 of the 7,000 employees and bosses at American Apparel marched. Workers closed down the plant on May Day in 2006 and 2007. To avoid losing production, the owners shut the plant early this year and organized a contingent. They held press conferences around the slogan “Legalize L.A.” in the days leading up to the march.

“It’s necessary. The marches show that workers have rights,” said Marco, a sewing machine operator there.

Arlene Rubinstein contributed to this article.
 
 
Related articles:
May Day actions across the U.S. demand: Legalize all immigrants!
15,000 march in Chicago
Socialist presidential candidate addresses L.A. May Day rally
Socialist vice presidential candidate joins Chicago May Day demonstration
List of May Day Actions for Immigrant Rights  
 
 
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