May Day is making a return this year, with protests expected all over the U.S. Activists are calling attention to what they see as a government that’s catering more to billionaires than to ordinary workers. The demonstrations, named “May Day Strong,” will take place in cities from Boston to San Francisco, as organizers seek to mark International Labor Day with their messages.
May 1 has a long history in the U.S. It was first linked to the struggle for an eight-hour workday back in the 19th century. Around that time, many Americans worked grueling shifts of 12 hours or more. The push for shorter hours became more serious in the early 1800s but only gained legal traction when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the Fair Labor Standards Act in 1938, which established a 44-hour workweek, and later a standard of 40 hours in 1940.
This year, the National Education Association (NEA), which is the largest labor union in the U.S. with three million members, is a key player in the protests. NEA President Becky Pringle emphasizes that this May Day is about prioritizing workers over wealthy elites. She pointed out that essential workers—like teachers and nurses—are feeling the strain of a system that favors the rich.
According to a recent NEA report (link), schools in North Carolina are taking action due to low funding, with 20 public school districts closing for the May Day protests. Many in the education community are rallying in the state’s capital, Raleigh, to demand better funding for schools. Teacher salaries and per-pupil spending in North Carolina are ranked near the bottom nationally, leading to unified calls for change.
In an interesting twist, more than 100,000 students are planning to miss school in solidarity with the educators. The Sunrise Movement, a student-led organization advocating for climate action, is one of the groups involved. They are identifying their absence as a “strike” for what they believe in.
However, not everyone is supportive of these school closures. North Carolina State Sen. Amy Galey expressed concerns that such actions wouldn’t actually help the students given the dwindling number of instructional days left in the school year.
As protests unfold, reactions on social media reflect a mix of support and criticism. Many express solidarity with workers, while others think there’s a better way to effect change without disrupting education.
May Day events aren’t just happening in the Carolinas. Cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle will also see large gatherings. These events aim to spotlight crucial issues confronting workers today: fair pay, educational funding, and health care access, among others.
In a historical context, President Trump previously declared May 1 “Loyalty Day” during his first term, shifting the focus from labor rights to patriotism. The administration claimed to support American workers through various policies, particularly regarding trade and manufacturing. However, activists argue that real loyalty means investing in people, not just corporations.
As the May Day demonstrations approach, they are a reminder of the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights in America, echoing the battles of the past while highlighting the need for continued advocacy.
