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May Day 2025: Nationwide Protests and Economic Blackout Planned

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May Day 2025: Nationwide Demonstrations and Economic Blackout Planned

A coordinated series of demonstrations and an economic blackout are planned across the United States on May 1, 2025, which is International Workers' Day. Organizers are calling for the public to abstain from work, school, and commerce as part of a collective action involving labor unions, student groups, and community organizations.

Event Overview

The "May Day Strong" coalition, which includes over 500 labor unions, student groups, and community organizations, has planned more than 3,500 events across the country. Actions include walkouts, marches, block parties, and gatherings.

The National Education Association (NEA), the largest labor union in the United States, is a key organizer. Other participants include the Democratic Socialists of America, immigrants' rights groups, and organizers from the "No Kings" protests.

This action builds on a similar coordinated effort in Minnesota in January 2025, when tens of thousands of individuals took time off from school and work to protest federal immigration raids.

Planned Actions and Locations

Organizers call for "no school, no work, no shopping." Specific events are planned in Boston, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, New York City, Minneapolis, Washington, D.C., Albuquerque, and Portland, Oregon.

  • North Carolina: Approximately 20 public school districts will be closed due to planned staff absences. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education voted to cancel school on May 1 due to expected staff absences. At least 15 school districts in the state have given teachers the day off to join a statewide rally in Raleigh.
  • Chicago: The Chicago Teachers Union secured May 1 as a "day of civic action."
  • Purdue University: A student is coordinating a local walkout for students, teachers, workers, and residents.

Participation Numbers

  • The Sunrise Movement, a student group, stated that more than 100,000 students were expected to miss school.
  • Neidi Dominguez of Organized Power in Numbers stated she expects more than twice the number of May Day events compared to 2024.

Statements from Organizers and Officials

  • NEA President Becky Pringle: Stated that the message is that the country should focus on workers over billionaires.
  • Bryan Proffitt (Vice President, North Carolina Association of Educators): Said the rally aims for more investment in public schools, an end to corporate tax cuts, restoration of democracy, and expansion of union rights.
  • Stacy Davis Gates (President, Illinois Federation of Teachers and Chicago Teachers Union): Said billionaires need to pay their fair share.
  • Leah Greenberg (Indivisible): Described the blackout as a "structure test" for the movement.
  • North Carolina State Sen. Amy Galey (Republican): Criticized the school closures, stating they would not benefit students.

Statement from the White House

The White House issued a statement that the Trump administration has stood up for American workers, citing trade deals, manufacturing investments, tax cuts, and border security. President Trump previously declared May 1 as "Loyalty Day."

Long-Term Goals

Organizers state the day of action aims to build toward a general strike. United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain has called for unions to work toward a general strike on May 1, 2028, by aligning contract expiration dates.

"The day of action is not an end in itself, but a step toward something far larger."

Background

May 1 is traditionally observed as a day of protest in the United States, originating from the 19th-century movement for an eight-hour workday.