[Imc-birmingham] feature proposal: Mayday 2007

[Shiar]

Hi,

I'd like to propose this quick feature for the Birmingham middle column.

-- 
Shiar


Title: Mayday 2007 in the West Mids

Pic: http://www.indymedia.org.uk/images/2007/05/369482.jpg

Abstract:

Well, it was almost pathetic compared to other places, like Turkey,
Germany or Switzerland, for example, but at least some things happened.

Striking civil servants held a few pickets throughout Birmingham in the
morning, then a rally in Chamberlain Square, organised by the Public and
Commercial Services Union (PCS), in defence of jobs, services, pay and
work conditions. [report]

Later in day, the University and College Union (UCU) did a stall in
Birmingham city centre to protest against government plans to cut free
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes for asylum seekers
and refugees, while members of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW)
joined in protest at plans to close local blood processing and testing
sites around the country and merge them into three "supercentres" in
Bristol, Manchester and Colindale. [report]

In the evening, workers and activists from across the Midlands headed to
Wolverhampton for the 13th Wolverhampton Annual May Day Festival,
organised by Wolverhampton May Day Committee. The event was supported by
the West Midlands Fire Brigades Union, West Midlands UNISON and Midlands
TUC. The theme was "Keep Wolverhampton a fascist-free zone". [report]

----------