The ILWU (International Longshore and Warehouse Union) stopped work on May day to get across the message that the war has to end.

On May 1 in Olympia, WA a group of about two hundred people had a rally in solidarity with the immigrants’ rights and anti-war movements. The rally was followed with a march to the capital where activists gathered outside of the governor’s door, making their presence known and urging her to support the proposal of making Olympia a sanctuary city for undocumented immigrants.

On the 1st of May 2008, a day of solidarity for all workers and precariats on this planet against capitalism, Japanese police suppressed a small, rightful and peaceful demonstration in Fukuoka City, Japan.

Caracas, May 2 2008 (venezuelanalysis.com) – Waving red flags and pro-revolution banners “against imperialism” and for “socialism and peace” more than 300,000 workers marched in Caracas on Thursday to celebrate May 1, the International Day of Workers Struggle. The rally also celebrated a decree by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez increasing the minimum wage by 30% giving Venezuela the highest minimum wage in Latin America.

MAY DAY 2008: Tens of thousands marched and held demonstrations across the US yesterday, calling for an end to war and dignity for immigrants and workers. Dockworkers on the west coast defied their union bosses and staged a one day strike against the war, effectively shutting down all port activity (pics). High school and university students staged walkouts in Venice and San Francisco. Protests also called out unjust military recruiting and defended public housing. Photo from NYC.

There have been no reports of police violence on the scale such as that which occurred in Los Angeles last year. Most cities are reporting peaceful events, however there is one report from Olympia, WA of an incidence that resulted in arrests and injuries from police violence. And in New York City, an effort by Truckers and Citizens United to hold a convey protesting the unnecessarily rising cost of fuel was frustrated by city officials at the 11th hour.

Dispatches from selected regions: Boston | | Chicago | | Houston | | Los Angeles | | Monterey Bay Area | | New York: 1, 2 | | Olympia, WA: 1, 2 | | San Diego | | | | San Francisco: 1, 2, 3, 4 | | | Seattle | | Tucson | | Washington, DC

Past May Day Reporting: 2007 | | 2006