The demonstrations may be different — but they share a similar message, as Kristof, a Hungarian filmmaker explains.
"We want to portray a positive message rather than paint ourselves as 'lazy immigrants' and not working," Kristof told Sputnik.
Show how much we value EU migrants who pay more in than they take out. They work to make Britain Great #blEUmonday pic.twitter.com/oLRzMVYcc1
— @blEUmondays (@GreatbritishEU) July 4, 2016
"This way we are visibly at work — and on social media — by protesting in our own workplace."
When asked why the General Day of Strike was switched with Work Place Action Day, Kristof says it's all about "solidarity."
one of 4 #Irish sisters working and living in the UK #blEUmonday #FourthofJuly @TheresaMay2016 we are not pawns pic.twitter.com/ZwBicvccqR
— Deirdre Brennan (@FeministDee) July 4, 2016
"The goal is the same — to end the ambiguity surrounding current EU citizens' futures working in the UK."
On June 24, the UK awoke to the reality that the Leave campaign had won and the country had voted 'Yes' to Britain leaving the European Union — a cloud has been hanging over the future of the millions of European citizens living and working across the country, despite reassurances from some politicians.
The vote has also proven to be a particular dark period in Britain's history of tolerance of migrants — from outside and inside the European Union.
Solidarity to all the fellow EU citizens today for this #blEUmonday 🇪🇺✊🏻💙
— Ludo Orlando (@LudoOrlando) July 4, 2016
Race hate crime has risen five fold since the Brexit vote.
But Kristof says that he and many of his peers remain defiant against the anti-immigrant rhetoric and a campaign won on empty promises, which is why they have decided to hold this day of action.
#blEUmonday shirt hasn't arrived in time but blue is my colour today. I am no pawn, @TheresaMay2016. @GreatbritishEU pic.twitter.com/sweruy81wK
— Lisa Peter (@EleanorPe) July 4, 2016
"There is an overwhelming positive response to our day of action — so we are not too worried about negative comments.
"We would like to see how the discussion is evolving around this issue and any profits made from the merchandise, including badges and T-shirts supplied by Moteefe, will be donated to charity."
But despite the positive vibes surrounding the day of action — and the decision to stage a day working — to silence the critics, — Kristof remains somewhat skeptical and concerned for his and of his friends' future in the UK.
"We are not looking to change the outcome of the referendum," Kristof told Sputnik.
"We respect the democratic decision but we are wondering how we will be able to live with it. We need certain guarantees that our lives will not be completely upturned by this result."
