Discussion Paper #5

Maritza Guerrero

SOC 122 M/W 10:00 am

15 May 2018

Discussion Paper #5

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/2/with_labor_immigrant_rights_under_attack

           https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/2/arizona_joins_red_state_revolt_teachers

From the first story from May 2 of this year, New Yorkers along with various other countries are protesting for May Day. The focus of this protests is on labor rights for workers, especially the rights of immigrant workers. In New York, people from the protest speak out about the reasons for the protests such as Mohamad Attia, who is a co-director for the Street Vendor Project. Attia states how majority of immigrants are vendor workers, and that many face many injustices from the "system." Another individual that was present at the protest and shared her thoughts was Marta Velez. Velez shares on the rich and in the defense thoughts that are low income, but work hard.

The second story that was also from the same date of the first story I summarized, May 2, is on a teacher's strike in Phoenix, Arizona. Teachers have been on strike for a fifth day and will not go back to teaching until they see a change in wages and other changes they want established as teachers. Mary Kotnour, a teacher in Arizona, explains how funding is the major issue and that the funding is not just for the benefit of the teachers, but better funding would benefit and help other areas that need such as for schools, students, and more. Another teacher in Arizona and organizer for the "RedforEd" movement, Noah Karvelis, also speaks on the protests and issue. Karveliz mentions how the issue can be resolved now, but if it wasn't for the protests that a 20% raise would be even be considered and would had stayed at 2%. Therefore, the protests have had a impact on legislators moving on the issue. Karveliz also mentions that the protests that started in West Virginia helped inspire the protests in Arizona. In conclusion, teachers in Arizona will hear if they will get their 20% raise as proposed on that day of what was the fifth day that teachers were on strike.