Cops arrest 22 protesters at Austin rent strike as thousands of struggling tenants across the country rally to urge landlords to waive payments during pandemic that’s left 30 million unemployed
Thousands of Americans across the country participated in rent strikes on International Workers Day, or May Day, on Friday
Residents in Austin, Texas, held a mobile protest more than 30 vehicles drove five mph on a local highway
20 people were arrested for obstructing a highway and two for criminal trespassing
Similar rent strikes were seen in California, New York, Pennsylvania, Chicago and Washington D.C.
Rent is due on Friday after 30 million people filed unemployment claims amid the coronavirus pandemic
An untold number are still waiting for benefits weeks after applying
Pain is expected to be greater in May than April, deep into state lockdowns
Landlords are also in a cash crunch with taxes and utility payments due
Activists are encouraging even those who are able to pay to withhold payment
By LAUREN EDMONDS and KEITH GRIFFITH
DAILYMAIL.COM
2 May 2020
A rent strike in Texas led to 22 arrests after more than 30 cars brought a local highway to a near standstill and thousands joined in other demonstrations across the country.
The rent was due again for more than 30 million Americans who have filed for unemployment benefits after losing work in the coronavirus pandemic.
Across the nation, households with dwindling bank accounts face tough choices between putting food on the table and paying the rent — while landlords face their own cash crunch with taxes and utilities due.
In Austin, residents joined together for a rent strike on Friday to demand rent relief from landlord who are still requiring payments despite the staggering uptick of unemployment in the country.
Organized by local group ATX, a few dozen people took part in a mobile protest where more than 30 vehicles drove just five mph to slow down traffic in an act of defiance of housing officials. Some cars touted signs that read ‘No Rent’ and another showed a detailed painting of the city of Austin with the words ‘Rent Strike’.
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