2013 May 1st March & Day of Action

05/10/13 • 9 min

Thousands of people across Vermont marched to the statehouse in Montpelier on Wednesday May 1st to participate in a day of action. The day was organized by the Put People First Campaign, which is building a movement for human rights and democracy in Vermont. Members from many different organizations and groups such as Migrant Justice, Vermont Early Educators United, environmental justice groups, homecare workers, students, children and families gathered to participate in the action fair after the march. The action fair included a healthcare screening clinic, youth tent, and many other activities representing the vision for a world where everyone’s fundamental needs are met. Participants talked about how May 1st is a day to unite and come together to fight for human rights and true democracy. Immediately following May 1st, the Put People First campaign celebrated two major legislative victories. The bill recognizing homecare workers’ right to organize passed the following day, and Migrant Justice’s drivers license bill passed on Tuesday May 7th. Participants looked toward the 2014 legislative session and committed to continue to organize for universal healthcare, a budget that meets everyone’s needs, and a future where everyone’s human rights are met.

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May 1st March and Day of Action!

Many people in Vermont are struggling to meet their fundamental needs, such as housing, healthcare, education, work with dignity, and healthy foodOver the past year, we have also seen many of the basic programs that our families and communities depend on come under attack. Major decisions are being made that will affect our lives for years to come, and we dont have a seat at the table. This May 1st, come out to Montpelier for a march and day of action to Put People First - as we build a movement everyday people organizing for our human rights and real democracy. May 1st is a celebration of our communities, our families, and our connections to each other. By joining together on this day, the people of Vermont show their commitment to building one movement for people and our planet. This event is family friendly, and will include a healthcare screening clinic, kid friendly activities, music and fun! Join us at the Vermont Statehouse at 11:30am for the march. For more information and to register, go to www.workerscenter.org/may1 or call (802) 861-4892

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F-35 Citizens' Hearing

On Thursday May 30th, hundreds of Vermont residents participated in a citizens’ hearing surrounding the potential arrival of the F-35 aircraft in Burlington. Immediately after the Burlington airport was chosen as the base for the F-35 aircraft, Vermont residents came together to express their opposition. Many people expressed their concerns about the noise pollution that the jets would bring to their neighborhoods as well as the enormous costs and technical flaws of the aircraft. If the F-35 aircraft is based in Burlington, over 7,000 lives will be negatively affected. Many residents also spoke about legislators’ continued support for the F-35 and expressed their concerns about how they were not given the opportunity to take part in a decision that greatly affects them and their neighbors. Residents at the hearing called for policies that put people first.