The EL electoral platform, drafted in consensus with all EL member parties, was widely distributed and discussed inside the Estonian Left. In her speech Graziella Mascia underlined the demands for a 35 working hours week and a European minimum wage equivalent at least to 60% of the national average, without putting at risk the collective agreements. Martin Herberg from DIE LINKE (Germany) welcomed in his presentation the recent rejection of the attacks on the EU working time directive, as a victory of the workers in Europe.
The EL and its member parties commemorated the Workers Day also Europe-wide. In Brussels the EL had a stand at the street manifestation. The electoral platform was distributed and many personal contacts made to introduce the EL and its proposals both to Belgians and numerous non-Belgian people. Several EL member parties, like Izquierda Unida (Spain) and Rifondazione Comunista (Italy) were present with own stands in Brussels and publicised not only their proper views on national policies but also the European Left common platform. The 1st of May in Brussels gathered the Belgian trade unions, civil society and members of environmental, peace and political organisations.
Moreover, the EL members participated actively in their home countries various celebrations of the Workers' Day, either autonomously and campaigning for the European elections, or joining the progressive trade unions confederations, according to each one's national traditions and realities.
This year marks a visible strengthening of initiatives and protests, visibly due not only to the crisis but also to the governments' and the EU mishandle of the situation as well as hopefully to the trade unions and the left activism. Protests against the bailouts to the private banks were widely criticised, for example.
In Paris, trade unions were united in protest for the first time since the Second World War. In Turkey, the police intervened in the demonstration, dozens were injured and more than 100 people were detained by the authorities around Taksim Square.
The May Day is commemorated since 1887. One year before, 50,000 workers demonstrated in Chicago in favour of the reduction of the working time to 8 hours daily. Several dozens were killed.
