Members of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) in Belfast and Derry participated in a show of solidarity with migrant workers following the deaths of 27 immigrants in the English Channel last week.
At one event in Derry, a solidarity action was held along the city’s waterfront in the shadow of a number of famine statues. This location was a point of departure for thousands of locals fleeing the terror of famine that devastated countless communities.
Following the event, an IWW spokesperson said, "For a revolutionary union such as the IWW, we are clear that the class struggle doesn't start and finish at the factory floor. The struggle for working class liberation is fought in the workplace, on our streets and in our home every day of the week.
"As a union we have a long history and legacy that is intertwined with the horrors of emigration. It is vital that we stand with all migrant workers by challenging the bigotry, xenophobia and racism they face and say no more; be that along the borders of Poland, on the beaches of France, in detention centres or in the workplace."
Each of the solidarity actions had a number of speakers, including activists, poets and singers. Representations from unions and charities across the North were present.
The IWW spokesperson continued : "Protest actions such as these which are now happening throughout the country need to happen, in an effort to highlight and allow opportunity to listen to what migrant workers and their families are forced to endure.
"It is important that we put an end to the silence in the face of what people are witnessing on their television screens or newspapers. It is unacceptable to remain silent when fortress Europe is forcing migrant workers to suffocate, freeze or drown in an effort to try and achieve a better life for themselves or their families.
"At this event and others like it, our message must be clear, no human is illegal. We demand an immediate end to fortress Europe and its racist policies and practices. An injury to one, is an injury to all."
Solidarity to the migrant community and the friends and families of the 27.
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