We are truly proud that the opening of the 1st Congress of the International Alliance of Waste Pickers is taking place on such an important date as May 1st. Every year, on International Workers’ Day, millions of people around the world mobilize to commemorate the martyrs of Chicago, executed in 1886 by the police while participating in a mobilization to demand an 8-hour workday. 138 years have passed and, even today, the workers’ movement around the world continues to fight for their rights.

Mobilizations in Argentina

Argentina is characterized as a country with a strong culture of demonstrations, mobilizations and rallies as tools of vindication, struggle, complaint and even celebrations. The history of the country is constantly marked by these events as moments of change and profound transformation.

Each mobilization is unique and is influenced by different factors that can significantly change the size of the demonstration, and the risk. For example, holding an avenue blockade on a working day in front of a Ministry may be more provocative than holding a rally in a square without interrupting traffic. Social organizations and unions must evaluate these factors to plan each action and protect their participants.

Our May 1st 2024

This date in Argentina is considered a National Holiday and workers strongly adhere to it. All the unions call for a rally, so workers gather in front of the stage to have their voices heard for the Argentinean labor movement.  Very rarely are there confrontations between the police and the workers at these events, as the social pact and the right to strike enshrined in our Constitution are respected. In addition, it is a non-working day.

We will leave from the Hotel to the Monumento al Trabajador, located at Paseo Colon and Independencia Avenue. Directions will be provided at the hotel, which is conveniently located 20 blocks away (1.8 km). Throughout the day, we will be accompanied by the FACCyR. Its members have extensive experience in this type of activities.

Care and safety criteria

It is of utmost importance to take care of each other, taking into account that not all of us speak Spanish and that this is our first day in a country we do not know. The following are a series of precautions to take into account:

• Wear the vests and credentials that identify us.
• Remain in a group with our compatriots, regional and/or interpreters and acquaintances.
• Always follow the International Alliance of Waste Pickers flag so as not to get lost.
• In case you need to leave the group, ask for accompaniment from a member of FACCyR.
• Carry a copy of your passport and a piece of paper with your hotel address. If we were to lose our passport, it would be a problem to return home.
• Be careful with your cell phone and wallet, as in any part of the world, they could be snatched out of your pockets or hand in the crowd.