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Thousands in US to join ‘no school, no work, no shopping’ protest in economic blackout
TL;DR
Thousands are expected to participate in an economic blackout for International Workers’ Day, calling for 'no school, no work, no shopping' across the U.S. The May Day Strong coalition aims to unite various movements advocating for workers' rights and social justice.
Key points
- Thousands to join economic blackout for International Workers’ Day
- Events include walkouts, marches, and block parties
- May Day Strong coalition demands workers' rights and social justice
Thousands are set to join an economic blackout for International Workers’ Day on Friday, as part of 3,500 “May Day Strong” events across the country. Organizers are calling for “no school, no work, no shopping” with walkouts, marches, block parties and other gatherings planned into the evening.
May Day has long been an annual day of protest for the labor movement, and this year, many active movements are converging to fight for “a nation that puts workers over billionaires”. Demanding no ICE, no war, and taxing the rich, the May Day Strong coalition includes labor unions, immigrants rights groups, political organizations such as the Democratic Socialists of America, and the organizers behind the No Kings protests. Friday’s economic disruption builds on a similar coordinated effort out of Minnesota in January, when tens of thousands of Twin Cities residents took off from school and work to flood the streets in protest of federal immigration agents storming the city.
Neidi Dominguez, founding executive director of Organized Power in Numbers and an executive team member of May Day Strong, said that they expect more than twice the number of May Day events than last year.
Leah Greenberg of Indivisible, one of the main organizations behind No Kings, described the May Day economic blackout as a “structure test” for the movement.
“We are asking people to take a step into further exerting their power in all aspects of their lives – as workers, as students, as members of local organizing hubs,” she said. “It’s important as it builds muscles towards greater non-cooperation.”
Teachers’ unions and students are an active part of the fight, a continuation of their months of organizing against ICE. At least 15 school districts in North Carolina have given teachers the day off to join a statewide May Day “Kids Over Corporations” rally for public education funding. In Chicago, Illinois, the Chicago Teachers Union fought and won to have May Day made a “day of civic action”.
Q&A
What is the purpose of the May Day Strong economic blackout?
The economic blackout aims to advocate for workers' rights and social justice, demanding no ICE, no war, and taxing the rich.
How many events are planned for International Workers’ Day in the U.S.?
There are approximately 3,500 events planned across the country for International Workers’ Day.
Who are the main organizations involved in the May Day Strong coalition?
The coalition includes labor unions, immigrants rights groups, and political organizations like the Democratic Socialists of America.
