On 1 May, people around the world will strike. They will demand their right to decent working conditions, secure employment and pensions. This day is for all people. It isn't just for workers lucky enough to have unions to represent them. It is for parents and carers whose work is often not seen as productive, for people forced into workfare schemes, for students whose only way to employment is unpaid internships, for those who can't get their foot in the door of the workplace because of their nationality, gender, disabilities. It is for all of us and our right to earn a living for a decent life.

The numbers of people claiming unemployment benefits is rising, with unemployment at levels close to their highest for a generation (much as the Government likes to constantly move the goalpost in their favour to massage the figures). Many with a job are forced to comply with unacceptable conditions, due to not having realistic alternatives, and their work is not as valued as some. The income gap between the highest and lowest is growing more quickly in Britain than other economies over the past three decades. Topping the inequalities off, we’ve seen average pay rises for FTSE 100 executives at 43%, with ‘top’ directors at 49%, all of whom can use their status to avoid tax.

It is time for these inequalities to stop. This May Day, strike with your union if you have one. Call in sick, take a holiday, don't show up. Join actions and marches in your city, bring your community together and talk about the issues in your area, make some noise. Remember, you are not alone and that together we can make a change.

Occupy London will be out in support of events on the day and is be planning some actions of our own:

** Morning - Occupy the tube! **
Occupy London is planning something very special and would like to invite you to get involved. More details coming so stay in touch ;)

** Noon - Assemble for May Day march **
At noon Occupy London will be joining the thousands coming together for the May Day March in London. Assemble at Clerkenwell Green from noon, then at 1pm moving off to Traflagar Square where there will be a rally. More info at http://www.londonmayday.org/

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** 2.30pm - Against Workfare **
Occupy London will support the anti-workfare actions against companies participating in the workfare schemes, which have been called by South London Solidarity Federation and North London SolFed calling on all those fighting back. More information and map of targets will be at https://www.facebook.com/events/406395462721503/.

March, strike and occupy.