What Happened?

  • Millions of workers and activists took to the streets across the globe on May 1st, 2024, to mark International Workers’ Day and demand better working conditions, higher wages, and greater labor rights.

  • US Rallies: In the United States, large May Day marches and rallies were held in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago. Protesters called for increased minimum wages, improved worker protections, and the right to unionize. (The Guardian, CBS News)

  • International Activism: Worldwide, May Day demonstrations were marked by a mix of labor activism and political dissent. In Turkey, police arrested over 200 people at protests in Istanbul, while in Cuba, demonstrators expressed support for the government. (Al Jazeera, Breitbart)

  • South America Rallies: In South America, large rallies took place in Lima, Peru, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, with protesters demanding better economic conditions and labor rights. (Associated Press)

  • San Francisco Bay Area March: In the San Francisco Bay Area, tech janitors, hotel workers, and other labor groups marched together, calling for higher pay and better working conditions. Protesters also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian cause. (CBS News)

  • California State Capitol Protest: At the California State Capitol, labor groups staged an unpermitted protest, painting the street with slogans. (CBS News)

  • Southern California Demonstrations: Across Southern California, May Day rallies and marches supported workers’ rights, with some disrupting traffic and port operations. (CBS News)

  • Wisconsin Clashes: In Wisconsin, a large immigration march coincided with a Trump rally, leading to clashes between protesters and the former president’s supporters. Police made several arrests. (The Guardian)

  • Immigrant-Led Organizing: Immigrant-led organizing was highlighted as a key driver of the May Day protests, with activists arguing that the struggles of immigrant workers are central to the broader labor movement. (Truthout)

  • Economic and Political Climate Reflection: Commentators noted that this year’s May Day demonstrations reflected the turbulent economic and political climate, with workers confronting issues like inflation, the cost of living, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Los Angeles Times)

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