As well as its roots in folk history and pagan festivity, ever since the struggles of
the Haymarket Martyrs of Chicago in 1886, the May Day festival has long been a
celebration of workers' power. Even though the rich and powerful would like us to
believe that they have graciously handed us our every freedom, the truth is far
different. Whether it's laws to protect people in their jobs, universal suffrage,
equality, environmental protection, the welfare state or whatever limited
democracy we still have, it's us – or those who have come before us – that have
had to fight and win those rights, wrestling them one by one away from those
would rule.

Now the Con-Dem coalition have announced plans to scrap the May Day bank holiday
and relocate it to the autumn as 'Trafalgar Day'. Yet there are already far too many
religious, military, rich or royal figures that we are forced to revere; May Day is one of
the few days celebrating the achievements of ordinary people, and our self-styled
leaders want to take it from us. It seems that in a time of united struggle against the
cuts, and of re-emerging ideas of people power, that this is a move to try and erase any
memory that the common people have ever won anything.

So, to defend our history, Bath Trades Council, the Bath Anti-Cuts Alliance and others
will gather on Saturday the 30th May, from 11.30am, outside Marks & Spencers at the
bottom of Stall Street. Why not join us with banners, placards and leaflets?
Remember: the powerful give nothing up willingly, and neither will we.

e-mail:  bathagainstcuts@yahoo.co.uk
www.bathanticutsalliance.blogspot.com