On Labor Day, the May Day Strong coalition led a series of protests across the United States, advocating for workers’ rights and a rejection of billionaire influence in politics. Massive demonstrations followed in big cities across the country including Chicago, New York City, Washington D.C. and Houston. Under the mighty logo of “Workers Over Billionaires” demonstrators came together for a massive, inspiring day.
In Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson took to the streets, leading chants of “No federal troops in the city of Chicago” and “Invest in Chicago.” His comments were a direct response to action-oriented threats posed by the Trump administration. They’d protested the possible use of federal troops to the city for an immigration enforcement sweep.
Johnson addressed a sizable crowd at the “Workers Over Billionaires” demonstration, stating, “Together we will demand a country that puts workers over billionaires.” He used some pretty strong language to criticize the administration’s plans, focusing on the need to defend local communities.
The Protect our Parks protest in Chicago drew a few hundred. Most of them walked with anti-Trump signs and chanting slogan “Lock him up” in front Trump Tower located in city’s River North district. This demonstration was part of a much larger national movement. The May Day Strong collective planned the action to raise labor voices from every corner of the country.
In Washington D.C., almost 1,000 members of the public took part in participatory protest against Trump’s federal occupation of the district. Activists are loudly opposing an expectation of federal intervention. They worry it would erode home rule authority, an argument made by Johnson on the ground in Chicago.
As with the nationwide protests, hundreds of people showed up to march across the street from Trump Tower in New York’s Midtown district. Litmus tests outside Washington, smaller rallies, some with dozens of participants, sprung up in cities like Cleveland, Ohio, and Greensboro, North Carolina. Workers from California to New York experienced a common thread.
In Houston, non-union workers at Hilton Americas-Houston carried out a walkout. After going on strike for nine days, they are demanding an immediate raise to the minimum wage of $23. As a part of that deal, the Strike of 2013 would be the union’s first in its 25-year history. The workers’ requirements are part of a growing wave of labor movements fighting for higher wages and improved working conditions.
US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand showed up big time at an Albany rally in US Sen. She remarked, “It’s Labor Day [and] we want to celebrate working men and people in this community,” reinforcing the day’s focus on workers’ rights.
Amidst these demonstrations, Trump shared his own Labor Day message on the Truth Social platform, posting a photo of himself shaking hands with workers and stating, “Celebrating 250 years of THE AMERICAN WORKER. Happy Labor Day.”
In Redwood City, Californians formed a huge 17-mile long human chain all the way to Santa Clara. This kind of bold collective action is just one example of the creative tactics and types of activism brewing from coast to coast.
Brandon Johnson’s spirited proclamations were a theme that reverberated across the day and the country as he constantly doubled down on his stance against deploying federal troops. “We’re going to defend our democracy … we’re going to protect the humanity of every single person in the city of Chicago,” he affirmed to his supporters, emphasizing his commitment to local governance and community integrity.
As communities across the nation rallied together on Labor Day, they highlighted pressing issues affecting workers today while sending a clear message about their desire for change.