May Day Protests Planned in Downtown Los Angeles
This Friday, thousands of workers, union members, and activists are set to gather in downtown Los Angeles for May Day. Organizers are calling for people to join in a broader “economic blackout” by staying off work, skipping school, and avoiding shopping.
The main rally will kick off at 10 a.m. at MacArthur Park, featuring a speaking program that transitions into a march towards Grand Park.
Labor and immigrant rights organizations assert that these demonstrations are aligned with International Labor Day. Similar events, advocating for enhanced worker protections and immigration reform, are also scheduled throughout California.
“Our vision is an economy that serves everyone, focusing on living wages, robust labor protections, and essential services to support families,” stated Francisco Moreno, the executive director of the North American Mexican Federation Council, during a recent press conference.
The Los Angeles event is themed “Solo El Pueblo Closed: No School, No Work, No Shopping,” echoing prior economic boycott calls seen earlier this year.
Participants will include workers such as custodians, security personnel, airport staff, and stadium employees affiliated with SEIU-United Service Workers West. A diverse coalition of labor unions, civil rights activists, immigrant advocacy groups, and faith leaders is also taking part.
Speakers at the event will include SEIU-USWW President David Huerta, along with various workers discussing the influence of wages, working conditions, and corporate practices on low-income communities.
The march will cover approximately 30 miles, passing through neighborhoods deeply connected to Los Angeles’ immigrant population. Starting at MacArthur Park is a deliberate choice, highlighting its significance as a center for day laborers, street vendors, and recent immigration enforcement actions in the vicinity.
“Launching the march from there sends a clear message,” commented Crystal Romero, spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. “We are united with this community. If one of us is under attack, we all are.”
The demonstration will also advocate for a path to citizenship, increased funding for education and healthcare, and cessation of additional financial support for federal immigration agencies.
