May Day rallies and demonstrations are being held across the U.S., and Eugene is no exception. One group has organized several events intended to highlight labor rights and immigrants. KLCC’s Brian Bull reports.
Members of the Eugene-Springfield Solidarity Network (ESSN) gathered downtown. Art Bollman, the group’s president, says the Trump Administration has given undocumented workers much to worry about, even if the city recently prohibited public resources to be used to enforce federal immigration policy.
“That’s a good thing, but it also doesn’t protect immigrant workers from being exploited. If you are undocumented, then you can’t very well complain if you’re cheated on your wages or if you aren’t being paid properly.”
The ESSN’s tent was visited by fellow member and Eugene City Councilwoman Emily Semple. She says it wasn’t that long ago she realized May Day wasn’t just about flowers and dancing.
“And although I think those are critical for keeping our spirits up, it’s more important to support our people and workers rights, and the struggle that has been going on for so long.”
Other local May Day events included a teach-in to educate U of O students on labor union history and struggles.
Copyright 2017, KLCC.
