A collective of environmental organisations promises to add green colour to Reykjavík’s International Workers’ Day celebrations tomorrow, Smugan reports. More than a dozen environmental organizations stand behind a planned protest that will join the ranks of the annual May Day march which begins at Hlemmur bus station at 1pm.
The environmental contingent aims to remind Alþingi that it does not have the authority to promote big industry at the expense of the environment. Several environmental issues will be on the table for the new government in the coming term of Parliament, such as the protected status of areas around Mývatn and Reykjanesskagi as well as plans to erect high-voltage power lines and stations in the highlands. The group wants to raise public awareness and put pressure on the government to protect Icelandic nature.
Reykjavík’s May Day march begins at Hlemmur and proceeds down Laugavegur to Ingólfstorg, where various speeches and performances are held. Everyone is welcome join the demonstration and give voice to social and labour issues, such as raising awareness about threats to Icelandic nature, protesting persistent gender wage gaps, opposing the rightist turn in recent Parliamentary elections or Iceland’s longstanding membership in NATO, or showing solidarity with Bangladesh garment workers.
A schedule of May Day events across Iceland is available at the Icelandic Confederation of Labour’s website.
Below is a summary of what’s happening in Reykjavík:
13:00: People gather at Hlemmur
13:30: March begins from Hlemmur and moves down Laugavegur
14:10: Speeches begin at Ingólfstorg
15:15: Coffee and cakes offered by trade unions at various locations in town, click here for the full list.
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