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May Day Occupy protests - live coverage May Day Occupy protests - live coverage
(40 minutes later)
12.01pm: Protesters in Chicago have started marching through the Loop in the city's downtown area, chanting against Bank of America: "You pay, I pay, B of A has got to Pay!"
Watch the livestream of the march here. According to Chicagoist, nearby businesses, including Bank of America, were told to give vendor lists to law enforcement officials and to keep their cameras on and working.
11.56am: View of the protest at Bryant Park.
What may have been the largest #m1sg march has just returned to Bryant Park. #ows twitter.com/RDevro/status/…
— Ryan Devereaux (@RDevro) May 1, 2012
Expected at the park at noon is Tom Morello, formerly of Rage Against the Machine, who will lead a "Guitarmy" Guitar Workshop and Rehearsal.
The gathering at Bryant Park is operating with a permit from the city of New York.
11.45am: Most protesters are celebrating May Day as an occasion to commemorate and promulgate the struggle for workers' rights.
Some, however, are unwilling to give up their attachment to the holiday's colorful pagan roots.
Let them eat their cake – and have it too.
May Day in Bryant Park yfrog.com/obmifdpsj
— Lysandra Ohrstrom (@LysandraO) May 1, 2012
11.34am: How big is the nationwide Occupy General Strike? We invite you to form your own reporter estimate.
Here are live streams of Occupy protests in:
New York and New York
Portland
Chicago
Los Angeles
San Francisco
Who are we missing? Tweet @TeeMcSee or @KatieRogers
11.23am: Workers, unions and demonstrators have taken to the streets across the globe to mark May Day, and participants and locals have shared the scenes on Twitter.11.23am: Workers, unions and demonstrators have taken to the streets across the globe to mark May Day, and participants and locals have shared the scenes on Twitter.
If you've been involved in an event to mark May Day, send a tweet to @guardian and we'll update this Storify.If you've been involved in an event to mark May Day, send a tweet to @guardian and we'll update this Storify.
Workers, unions and demonstrators have taken to the streets across the globe to mark May Day, and participants and locals have shared the scenes on Twitter. If you've been involved in an event to mark May Day, send a tweet to @guardian and we'll update this Storify.Workers, unions and demonstrators have taken to the streets across the globe to mark May Day, and participants and locals have shared the scenes on Twitter. If you've been involved in an event to mark May Day, send a tweet to @guardian and we'll update this Storify.
11.18am: Our Karen McVeigh has more on the internal memo produced by the NYPD to guide officer response to today's protests:11.18am: Our Karen McVeigh has more on the internal memo produced by the NYPD to guide officer response to today's protests:
Produced by the NYPD SHIELD counterterrorism programme, it warns of possible "militant elements" among protesters and of disruptive activities, such as vandalism.Produced by the NYPD SHIELD counterterrorism programme, it warns of possible "militant elements" among protesters and of disruptive activities, such as vandalism.
The briefing, dated April 27, 2012, noted there are "fissures" within the OWS movement and that a "respect for diversity of tactics" included vandalism.The briefing, dated April 27, 2012, noted there are "fissures" within the OWS movement and that a "respect for diversity of tactics" included vandalism.
It said: "The General Strike is the first of several major global demonstrations that the OWS movement has played a role in planning, including demonstrations scheduled for May 12, May 15 and May 17-21. As such, it should be expected that organizers have emphasized the important of turnout and will be seeking maximum media coverage."It said: "The General Strike is the first of several major global demonstrations that the OWS movement has played a role in planning, including demonstrations scheduled for May 12, May 15 and May 17-21. As such, it should be expected that organizers have emphasized the important of turnout and will be seeking maximum media coverage."
It warned that "pop-up" and splinter demonstrations and flash mobs may occur at any time especially during the evening actions.It warned that "pop-up" and splinter demonstrations and flash mobs may occur at any time especially during the evening actions.
The disruptive events referred to in the NYPD briefing include:
* an unpermited "wildcat march" at 1pm at Sara D Roosevelt Park. Organisers have advocated the use of so-called "Black-bloc" tactics to confront the police "sometimes violently" and cited the tactics used in the G20 summit in Pittsburgh when trash cans, rocks and barricades were used in confrontations with police.
* a "Bike Bloc" in which small groups of protesters on bikes would try to disrupt traffic
*attempts to block Manhattan-bound traffic at bridges and tunnels as well as attempts to stop ferry passengers.
* an NYPD hoodie march against police violence
The disruptive events referred to in the NYPD briefing include:
* an unpermited "wildcat march" at 1pm at Sara D Roosevelt Park. Organisers have advocated the use of so-called "Black-bloc" tactics to confront the police "sometimes violently" and cited the tactics used in the G20 summit in Pittsburgh when trash cans, rocks and barricades were used in confrontations with police.
* a "Bike Bloc" in which small groups of protesters on bikes would try to disrupt traffic
*attempts to block Manhattan-bound traffic at bridges and tunnels as well as attempts to stop ferry passengers.
* an NYPD hoodie march against police violence
11.12am: Follow our Ryan Devereaux as he tweets from the Occupy protests in New York City today.11.12am: Follow our Ryan Devereaux as he tweets from the Occupy protests in New York City today.
11.05am:My colleague Katie Rogers has more detail on May Day Occupy protests planned nationwide today:11.05am:My colleague Katie Rogers has more detail on May Day Occupy protests planned nationwide today:
EAST COAST: In the District, over 300 protesters have RSVP'd to a May Day festival to begin at 3:30pm EST, and a march from Malcolm X Park (16th St and Euclid St NW) beginning at 6pm EST; the group plans to end their march at the White House.EAST COAST: In the District, over 300 protesters have RSVP'd to a May Day festival to begin at 3:30pm EST, and a march from Malcolm X Park (16th St and Euclid St NW) beginning at 6pm EST; the group plans to end their march at the White House.
MIDWEST: Occupy Chicago protesters will rally at 1pm EST. According to The Chicago Tribune, protesters will gather at Union Park on the city's West side and proceed with a 2pm march to Federal Plaza in the Loop.MIDWEST: Occupy Chicago protesters will rally at 1pm EST. According to The Chicago Tribune, protesters will gather at Union Park on the city's West side and proceed with a 2pm march to Federal Plaza in the Loop.
WEST COAST: A large march is planned for the West Coast, but protesters say they will no longer attempt to shut down the Golden Gate Bridge as previously planned. Protesters say they'll participate in worker and student protests and strikes in Oakland and San Francisco.WEST COAST: A large march is planned for the West Coast, but protesters say they will no longer attempt to shut down the Golden Gate Bridge as previously planned. Protesters say they'll participate in worker and student protests and strikes in Oakland and San Francisco.
11.02am: An Occupy protester is arrested in Midtown. Infraction unknown.11.02am: An Occupy protester is arrested in Midtown. Infraction unknown.
10.50am: Occupy protesters are planning May Day protests across the country. A Washington DC protest is scheduled for 3.30pmET. A protest in Chicago is due to start momentarily. In San Francisco, ferry operators have shut down service this morning in anticipation of a strike, according to CNN.10.50am: Occupy protesters are planning May Day protests across the country. A Washington DC protest is scheduled for 3.30pmET. A protest in Chicago is due to start momentarily. In San Francisco, ferry operators have shut down service this morning in anticipation of a strike, according to CNN.
In Los Angeles, a "'4 Winds' People's Power Car and Bike Caravan" is planned to move from the four corners of the city and converge around downtown LA this afternoon.In Los Angeles, a "'4 Winds' People's Power Car and Bike Caravan" is planned to move from the four corners of the city and converge around downtown LA this afternoon.
10.46am: The Occupy protest moving down 5th Ave. in Manhattan is big enough that the sidewalks are full and police have yelled at protesters to clear intersections. The crowd is moving but the number of people involved makes fluid movement impossible.10.46am: The Occupy protest moving down 5th Ave. in Manhattan is big enough that the sidewalks are full and police have yelled at protesters to clear intersections. The crowd is moving but the number of people involved makes fluid movement impossible.
We're watching Tim Pool's livecast as he walks with the crowd.We're watching Tim Pool's livecast as he walks with the crowd.
The rain has stopped in New York. It's not exactly sunny, but the umbrellas and ponchos have disappeared.The rain has stopped in New York. It's not exactly sunny, but the umbrellas and ponchos have disappeared.
Protesters are chanting, "Banks got bailed out, we got sold out."Protesters are chanting, "Banks got bailed out, we got sold out."
10.33am: A crowd of what appears to be hundreds of protesters is moving off 6th Ave. toward Rockefeller plaza. The crowd stopped in front of a Chase Bank branch, where police officers formed a cordon.10.33am: A crowd of what appears to be hundreds of protesters is moving off 6th Ave. toward Rockefeller plaza. The crowd stopped in front of a Chase Bank branch, where police officers formed a cordon.
#M1GS march makes a stop at Chase. Protesters chant to police, "Who do you serve? Who do you protect?" twitter.com/RDevro/status/…#M1GS march makes a stop at Chase. Protesters chant to police, "Who do you serve? Who do you protect?" twitter.com/RDevro/status/…
— Ryan Devereaux (@RDevro) May 1, 2012— Ryan Devereaux (@RDevro) May 1, 2012


March now heading east on 51st #m1gs #ows twitter.com/mollyknefel/st…March now heading east on 51st #m1gs #ows twitter.com/mollyknefel/st…
— Molly Knefel (@mollyknefel) May 1, 2012— Molly Knefel (@mollyknefel) May 1, 2012
10.27am: Here's a split screen of live video of Occupy protests in NYC and in London.10.27am: Here's a split screen of live video of Occupy protests in NYC and in London.
Other live streams from New York here and here.Other live streams from New York here and here.
The Occupy Unity livestream channel is here. Feeds from LA, San Fran and NYC. Update: and Portland!The Occupy Unity livestream channel is here. Feeds from LA, San Fran and NYC. Update: and Portland!
10.20am: News Corp HQ:10.20am: News Corp HQ:
"Police set to deal with Occupy crowd that vows to shut down city today" - Fox News ticker at News Corp. #m1gs #ows twitter.com/RDevro/status/…"Police set to deal with Occupy crowd that vows to shut down city today" - Fox News ticker at News Corp. #m1gs #ows twitter.com/RDevro/status/…
— Ryan Devereaux (@RDevro) May 1, 2012— Ryan Devereaux (@RDevro) May 1, 2012
10.14am: The occupy crowd in Midtown strikes an upbeat tone.10.14am: The occupy crowd in Midtown strikes an upbeat tone.
Video here.Video here.
Mic check: "Today is a beautiful day."
Mic check: "We love you all."
Mic check: "Thanks for coming to the party."
Mic check: "Today is a beautiful day."
Mic check: "We love you all."
Mic check: "Thanks for coming to the party."
And:And:
"The people, united, will never be defeated.""The people, united, will never be defeated."
10.09am: Now a good view of a major protest kitty-corner from Radio City Music Hall at 50th St. and 6th Ave.10.09am: Now a good view of a major protest kitty-corner from Radio City Music Hall at 50th St. and 6th Ave.
An on-the-ground, livestream view of the protest from Timcast by Tim Pool is live now.An on-the-ground, livestream view of the protest from Timcast by Tim Pool is live now.
A line of police on motor scooters has formed on 6th Avenue.A line of police on motor scooters has formed on 6th Avenue.
Protesters are drumming and chanting: "All day, all week, Occupy Wall Street."Protesters are drumming and chanting: "All day, all week, Occupy Wall Street."
10.02am: Another view of the Occupy protest as it moves through Times Square.10.02am: Another view of the Occupy protest as it moves through Times Square.
twitpic.com/9g0wggtwitpic.com/9g0wgg
— Occupy Congress (@OCongress) May 1, 2012— Occupy Congress (@OCongress) May 1, 2012
Our social news editor Katie Rogers (@katierogers) has put together a public list of @occupydc activists on Twitter. Check it out.Our social news editor Katie Rogers (@katierogers) has put together a public list of @occupydc activists on Twitter. Check it out.
9.56am: Ryan Devereaux is following Occupy protesters as they make their way from Bryant Square to the Chase Bank headquarters on Park Ave.9.56am: Ryan Devereaux is following Occupy protesters as they make their way from Bryant Square to the Chase Bank headquarters on Park Ave.
#M1GS protesters making their way through Time Square. twitter.com/RDevro/status/…#M1GS protesters making their way through Time Square. twitter.com/RDevro/status/…
— Ryan Devereaux (@RDevro) May 1, 2012— Ryan Devereaux (@RDevro) May 1, 2012
9.52am: Check out our slide show of May Day workers' rights rallies around the world today. Nepal, South Korea, Indonesia, Russia, Greece and on.9.52am: Check out our slide show of May Day workers' rights rallies around the world today. Nepal, South Korea, Indonesia, Russia, Greece and on.
9.45am: Staying dry.9.45am: Staying dry.
"Education is the weapon of the people"- waterproofed sign outside BOA. #m1gs twitter.com/RDevro/status/…"Education is the weapon of the people"- waterproofed sign outside BOA. #m1gs twitter.com/RDevro/status/…
— Ryan Devereaux (@RDevro) May 1, 2012— Ryan Devereaux (@RDevro) May 1, 2012
9.40am: "Happy May Day" and "Today is May" trending on Twitter. (Meanwhile #m1nyc has been temporarily taken over by a spambot offering all manner of outre entertainment.)9.40am: "Happy May Day" and "Today is May" trending on Twitter. (Meanwhile #m1nyc has been temporarily taken over by a spambot offering all manner of outre entertainment.)
Who promoted #CorporateGreed?Who promoted #CorporateGreed?
9.33am: Some protests and police activity so far this morning, via Twitter:9.33am: Some protests and police activity so far this morning, via Twitter:
Barricades and helmeted cops outside the Bank of America picket: #OWS #m1nyc #99PKTS twitter.com/macfathom/stat…Barricades and helmeted cops outside the Bank of America picket: #OWS #m1nyc #99PKTS twitter.com/macfathom/stat…
— Nick Pinto (@macfathom) May 1, 2012— Nick Pinto (@macfathom) May 1, 2012


#M1gs now outside #wellsfargo instagr.am/p/KFeSpcxuFM/#M1gs now outside #wellsfargo instagr.am/p/KFeSpcxuFM/
— Joseph Galbo (@JosephGalbo) May 1, 2012— Joseph Galbo (@JosephGalbo) May 1, 2012


At the Brooklyn Bridge, quiet - barricades prepared if needed later today. #ows #m1nyc #m1gs yfrog.com/ntu4pkojAt the Brooklyn Bridge, quiet - barricades prepared if needed later today. #ows #m1nyc #m1gs yfrog.com/ntu4pkoj
— Patrick deHahn (@patrickdehahn) May 1, 2012— Patrick deHahn (@patrickdehahn) May 1, 2012


Police presence high at Bryant Park for #M1GS ! Will be live soon #OWS twitter.com/OccupyEye/stat…Police presence high at Bryant Park for #M1GS ! Will be live soon #OWS twitter.com/OccupyEye/stat…
— Occupy Eye (@OccupyEye) May 1, 2012— Occupy Eye (@OccupyEye) May 1, 2012

A picket line outside News Corp:

A picket line outside News Corp:
"We are the #99% and we're here to fight back! " #MayDay #M1GS #99pickets #Foxnews twitter.com/515LM/status/1…"We are the #99% and we're here to fight back! " #MayDay #M1GS #99pickets #Foxnews twitter.com/515LM/status/1…
— Louis Mazzei (@515LM) May 1, 2012— Louis Mazzei (@515LM) May 1, 2012


9.17am: Occupy protesters have gathered outside the Bank of America tower at Bryant Park. Others are headed for the Chase Bank HQ at Park Ave and 48th St.9.17am: Occupy protesters have gathered outside the Bank of America tower at Bryant Park. Others are headed for the Chase Bank HQ at Park Ave and 48th St.
Barricades surround the entrance to BOA. Employees being asked to show ID. Dozens of police present including counterterrorism officers.Barricades surround the entrance to BOA. Employees being asked to show ID. Dozens of police present including counterterrorism officers.
— Ryan Devereaux (@RDevro) May 1, 2012— Ryan Devereaux (@RDevro) May 1, 2012


Pretty good-sized turnout at BOA picket. Apparently numbers are low at Chase though so reinforcements are en route. Following them. #M1GSPretty good-sized turnout at BOA picket. Apparently numbers are low at Chase though so reinforcements are en route. Following them. #M1GS
— Ryan Devereaux (@RDevro) May 1, 2012— Ryan Devereaux (@RDevro) May 1, 2012
9.11am: For a full schedule of planned rallies and protests in New York City, today, visit the "NYC Full Schedule of Permitted and Unpermitted May Day 2012 Actions" at OccupyWallStreet.org.9.11am: For a full schedule of planned rallies and protests in New York City, today, visit the "NYC Full Schedule of Permitted and Unpermitted May Day 2012 Actions" at OccupyWallStreet.org.
9.08am: Protest picket sites include the New York Times building.9.08am: Protest picket sites include the New York Times building.
#m1nyc #m1gs #mayday one of the #99pickets. Outside of the New York Times building campl.us/jckU#m1nyc #m1gs #mayday one of the #99pickets. Outside of the New York Times building campl.us/jckU
— Lindsay/Osorio 2012(@VotePSL) May 1, 2012— Lindsay/Osorio 2012(@VotePSL) May 1, 2012
Mother Jones has a map of planned protests around the country today.Mother Jones has a map of planned protests around the country today.
9.05am: A May Day notice from Anonymous.9.05am: A May Day notice from Anonymous.
╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱ ╱┳┳┓┏┓┓┏╱┳┓┏┓┓┏╱ ╱┃┃┃┣┫┗┫╱┃┃┣┫┗┫╱ ╱┛┛┛┛┛┗┛╱┻┛┛┛┗┛╱ ╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱ ★ May 1 - goo.gl/c1yzS #M1GS #Mayday╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱ ╱┳┳┓┏┓┓┏╱┳┓┏┓┓┏╱ ╱┃┃┃┣┫┗┫╱┃┃┣┫┗┫╱ ╱┛┛┛┛┛┗┛╱┻┛┛┛┗┛╱ ╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱╱ ★ May 1 - goo.gl/c1yzS #M1GS #Mayday
— Anonymous (@YourAnonNews) May 1, 2012— Anonymous (@YourAnonNews) May 1, 2012
Here's a widely circulated rally poster calling for a General Strike:Here's a widely circulated rally poster calling for a General Strike:
8.57am: A dispatch from Bryant Park:8.57am: A dispatch from Bryant Park:
A number of pickets are now underway.Protesters are circling in front of Bank of America as police look on. #M1GSA number of pickets are now underway.Protesters are circling in front of Bank of America as police look on. #M1GS
— Ryan Devereaux (@RDevro) May 1, 2012— Ryan Devereaux (@RDevro) May 1, 2012
There are 53 confirmed picket protests this morning. Protesters are preparing signs and getting ready to head to those locations. #M1GSThere are 53 confirmed picket protests this morning. Protesters are preparing signs and getting ready to head to those locations. #M1GS
— Ryan Devereaux (@RDevro) May 1, 2012— Ryan Devereaux (@RDevro) May 1, 2012
8.55am: Occupy protesters are getting wet this morning – and looking for the sun to come out this afternoon.8.55am: Occupy protesters are getting wet this morning – and looking for the sun to come out this afternoon.
The rain won't stop us! (Besides, it's supposed to be be 73 and sunny by this afternoon. Come on out!) #OWS #M1GS #M1NYCThe rain won't stop us! (Besides, it's supposed to be be 73 and sunny by this afternoon. Come on out!) #OWS #M1GS #M1NYC
— Occupy Wall Street (@OccupyWallSt) May 1, 2012— Occupy Wall Street (@OccupyWallSt) May 1, 2012
8.50am: Moira Herbst writes in the Guardian that the American labor movement needs to reclaim May Day:8.50am: Moira Herbst writes in the Guardian that the American labor movement needs to reclaim May Day:
Since the late 19th century, some of the wreaths and adornments have given way to banners and flags, as 1 May has become International Workers' Day. Workers throughout the world hold marches and parties to celebrate solidarity and the common goal of achieving better working conditions and better lives.Since the late 19th century, some of the wreaths and adornments have given way to banners and flags, as 1 May has become International Workers' Day. Workers throughout the world hold marches and parties to celebrate solidarity and the common goal of achieving better working conditions and better lives.
But American workers, for the most part, have been left out of the festivities. At the height of the cold war, May Day was considered too radical, too "Soviet" perhaps, and the American Federation of Labor itself wanted distance from it. In 1958, President Dwight Eisenhower went so far as to declare 1 May "National Loyalty Day". Loyalty to one concept of America, that is – not worker solidarity.But American workers, for the most part, have been left out of the festivities. At the height of the cold war, May Day was considered too radical, too "Soviet" perhaps, and the American Federation of Labor itself wanted distance from it. In 1958, President Dwight Eisenhower went so far as to declare 1 May "National Loyalty Day". Loyalty to one concept of America, that is – not worker solidarity.
8.45am: My colleagues Ryan Devereaux and Adam Gabbatt filed a story about preparations last night for the OWS General Strike today:8.45am: My colleagues Ryan Devereaux and Adam Gabbatt filed a story about preparations last night for the OWS General Strike today:
About 80 Occupy Wall Street organisers are gathered in the stuffy basement of a lower Manhattan office building to discuss the final stages of the movement's most anticipated action this year.About 80 Occupy Wall Street organisers are gathered in the stuffy basement of a lower Manhattan office building to discuss the final stages of the movement's most anticipated action this year.
On a pair of tables in the corner of the room sit stacks of Occupy literature – magazines and newspapers produced by protesters – as well as stickers, posters and fliers: all propaganda for May Day, a nationwide day of action calling on the public to abstain from work, school, shopping, banking and household chores.On a pair of tables in the corner of the room sit stacks of Occupy literature – magazines and newspapers produced by protesters – as well as stickers, posters and fliers: all propaganda for May Day, a nationwide day of action calling on the public to abstain from work, school, shopping, banking and household chores.
8.40am: The New York Police Department sent around an internal memo yesterday to prepare officers for today's protests. The memo lists planned protests and describes tactics protesters are expected to use. The memo advises that the Occupy protests are distinct from rallies to be held by organized labor, "expected to participate in their own customary May Day rally (which has occurred since 2004)."8.40am: The New York Police Department sent around an internal memo yesterday to prepare officers for today's protests. The memo lists planned protests and describes tactics protesters are expected to use. The memo advises that the Occupy protests are distinct from rallies to be held by organized labor, "expected to participate in their own customary May Day rally (which has occurred since 2004)."
Among the planned Occupy rallies the police memo lists are a "wildcat march" beginning at 1pm on East Houston St.; a "Bike Bloc" to take over the streets beginning at 9am at Union Square; an "NYC Hoodie March Against Police Violence"; and a BBQ in Ft. Greene Park. The memo also notes that rallies are planned for Bryant Park, Madison Square Park and Union Square.Among the planned Occupy rallies the police memo lists are a "wildcat march" beginning at 1pm on East Houston St.; a "Bike Bloc" to take over the streets beginning at 9am at Union Square; an "NYC Hoodie March Against Police Violence"; and a BBQ in Ft. Greene Park. The memo also notes that rallies are planned for Bryant Park, Madison Square Park and Union Square.
"There are fissures within OWS," the NYPD memo notes, "but a 'respect for diversity of tactics,' which includes everything from peaceful protests to the kind of vandalism directed at Starbucks in April, when demonstrators tried to smash the windows at the Starbucks location at Astor Place, has been embraced by the movement.""There are fissures within OWS," the NYPD memo notes, "but a 'respect for diversity of tactics,' which includes everything from peaceful protests to the kind of vandalism directed at Starbucks in April, when demonstrators tried to smash the windows at the Starbucks location at Astor Place, has been embraced by the movement."
Occupy has published its own slate of events for the day. Here's a (sort of blurry) picture from Nick Pinto of the Village Voice:Occupy has published its own slate of events for the day. Here's a (sort of blurry) picture from Nick Pinto of the Village Voice:
Just got my free program. #OWS #m1nyc twitter.com/macfathom/stat…Just got my free program. #OWS #m1nyc twitter.com/macfathom/stat…
— Nick Pinto (@macfathom) May 1, 2012— Nick Pinto (@macfathom) May 1, 2012
8.37am: The Occupy movement has called on protesters to participate in a General Strike: stay home from work and school, skip the chores and take to the streets. Rallies are happening in Bryant Park, Madison Square Park and Union Square.8.37am: The Occupy movement has called on protesters to participate in a General Strike: stay home from work and school, skip the chores and take to the streets. Rallies are happening in Bryant Park, Madison Square Park and Union Square.
To follow the action on Twitter watch #m1gs, #m1ows and #ows.To follow the action on Twitter watch #m1gs, #m1ows and #ows.
Here's the scene right now in Bryant Park: #OWS #m1nyc twitter.com/macfathom/stat…Here's the scene right now in Bryant Park: #OWS #m1nyc twitter.com/macfathom/stat…
— Nick Pinto (@macfathom) May 1, 2012— Nick Pinto (@macfathom) May 1, 2012
Some protesters looking for a meetup at the Brooklyn Bridge also are headed to Bryant Park.Some protesters looking for a meetup at the Brooklyn Bridge also are headed to Bryant Park.
Nothing happening at Brooklyn Bridge. Heading up to Bryant Park. #M1NYC #OWSNothing happening at Brooklyn Bridge. Heading up to Bryant Park. #M1NYC #OWS
— C.S. Muncy (@CSMuncyPhoto) May 1, 2012— C.S. Muncy (@CSMuncyPhoto) May 1, 2012
The Guardian's Ryan Devereaux will be providing updates from Bryant Park.The Guardian's Ryan Devereaux will be providing updates from Bryant Park.
Just arrived to Bryant Park. Getting a sense of the scene. I'll be providing an update on @democracynow in about ten minutes. #ows #M1GSJust arrived to Bryant Park. Getting a sense of the scene. I'll be providing an update on @democracynow in about ten minutes. #ows #M1GS
— Ryan Devereaux (@RDevro) May 1, 2012— Ryan Devereaux (@RDevro) May 1, 2012
8.15am: Good morning and welcome to our live blog coverage of Occupy demonstrations on this May Day. We'll be covering protests in New York City, across the United States and around the world.8.15am: Good morning and welcome to our live blog coverage of Occupy demonstrations on this May Day. We'll be covering protests in New York City, across the United States and around the world.
May Day is a pagan festival of fertility marking the beginning of summer. Since the late 19th century the day has also been a milestone in the workers' rights movement. If you work an eight-hour day – or if your employer at least pays semi-plausible lip service to an eight-hour day – then you have occasion to celebrate, for it was on 1 May, 1886, that the protests began that would make the 8-hour workday the law.May Day is a pagan festival of fertility marking the beginning of summer. Since the late 19th century the day has also been a milestone in the workers' rights movement. If you work an eight-hour day – or if your employer at least pays semi-plausible lip service to an eight-hour day – then you have occasion to celebrate, for it was on 1 May, 1886, that the protests began that would make the 8-hour workday the law.
On this 1 May , New York City has woken up to a better rain than we've had for weeks. It's good for the farmers, as they say. Both supporters and detractors of the Occupy movement will be watching to see how many protesters turn out today as a gauge of the strength of the movement.On this 1 May , New York City has woken up to a better rain than we've had for weeks. It's good for the farmers, as they say. Both supporters and detractors of the Occupy movement will be watching to see how many protesters turn out today as a gauge of the strength of the movement.
I wonder if this rain is going to slow down the May Day protest?? OWS seems to protest in ANY weather condition.I wonder if this rain is going to slow down the May Day protest?? OWS seems to protest in ANY weather condition.
— Lauren (@listentolala) May 1, 2012— Lauren (@listentolala) May 1, 2012
Our reporter Ryan Devereaux is out with the protesters already in New York, where marches and rallies are planned throughout the day.Our reporter Ryan Devereaux is out with the protesters already in New York, where marches and rallies are planned throughout the day.
Here's a summary of the latest developments:Here's a summary of the latest developments:
Huge May Day marches have unfolded in Asia and Europe. Thousands turned out to demand higher wages in the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan, according to the Associated Press, while around 100,000 marched in Moscow and 2,000 in Greece.Huge May Day marches have unfolded in Asia and Europe. Thousands turned out to demand higher wages in the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan, according to the Associated Press, while around 100,000 marched in Moscow and 2,000 in Greece.
New York police raided the homes of at least three Occupy activists and "interrogated residents about plans for tomorrow's protest". Gawker reports: "They asked what I was doing tomorrow, and if I knew of any activities, any events—that was how the conversation started," said activist Zachary Dempster.New York police raided the homes of at least three Occupy activists and "interrogated residents about plans for tomorrow's protest". Gawker reports: "They asked what I was doing tomorrow, and if I knew of any activities, any events—that was how the conversation started," said activist Zachary Dempster.
Favorite headline so far is in the Murdoch-owned New York Post: "OWS 'May' get ugly out there." The story lede also works in "mayhem." Hats off. The coverage is alarmist but the pun-ny bone is intact.Favorite headline so far is in the Murdoch-owned New York Post: "OWS 'May' get ugly out there." The story lede also works in "mayhem." Hats off. The coverage is alarmist but the pun-ny bone is intact.