Groups of people gathered in Los Angeles for Workers' Day demonstration
LET'S HIT THE STREETS OF L.A.!
It's May Day once more, and this year, Los Angeles is roaring loud as thousands gather to advocate for workers' rights and immigrant justice! The Los Angeles May Day Coalition organized the rallies and marches again, taking over downtown L.A. on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
May Day? Yeah, that's the one with deep U.S. roots! It first reared its head back in 1886 after the Haymarket Affair in Chicago. Workers then struck for an 8-hour workday, setting the stage for the annual May Day celebrations we know today.
This year, these protesters aren’t just shouting for labor union achievements. They’re stepping up to stand against the Trump administration's relentless push for deportations in immigrant communities.
The city streets boomed with life since the early hours, as overflowing crowds of community organizers, labor unions, and activists marched with posters, union shirts, and banners, chanting "One struggle, One fight - Workers unite!"
One courageous member of the crowd, Yolanda Mims-Reed voiced her reasons for attending, declaring, "We're here to stand in solidarity for the things we need to fight for. We want fair wages, decent jobs, and immigration rights. Enough with ICE invading our campuses, and enough with disrespect!"
Yvonne Wheeler, the charismatic President of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, echoed the same sentiments, emphasizing unity among workers and immigrant communities. "Immigrants and workers are under fire," she exclaimed passionately. "So we have to stick together and amplify the same voice to fight for our shared goals. One city, one struggle, one message, one fight. Workers are on the move today!"
The rally ideas were not confined to L.A., as numerous neighborhoods across Southern California held about a dozen similar events to honor International Workers' Day too. [XinhuaNews]
THESE DEMANDS JUST WON'T WAIT:- $20 HOURLY MINIMUM WAGE: Speakers firmly proposed a federal minimum wage increase to at least $20 per hour to combat inflation and soaring housing expenses.[4]- BETTER WORKING CONDITIONS: The protesters passionately expressed the need for improved working conditions, reflecting broader concerns around labor rights.[2]
Key messages at this year's event included:
- UNITY AND SOLIDARITY: A resounding theme echoed through the crowd, underscoring the necessity for unity and camaraderie among fellow workers and the immigrant community, using the slogan "One Struggle, One Fight — Workers Unite!" to emphasize the shared burdens and the power of collective action.[1][3]
- MOVING FORWARD WITH JUSTICE: The protests demanded justice for both immigrants and workers, highlighting the crucial contributions that immigrants make in the labor movement.[3]
- STANDING TOGETHER: A strong emphasis was placed on supporting communities by combating various policy challenges like maintaining healthcare and utilizing workers' rights.[3]
More than 55 groups, a diverse coalition of workers and immigrant communities, united as members of the Los Angeles May Day Coalition, to voice their shared demands and stand strong in the face of adversity.[3]
[1] https://exploreim.org/2023/05/01/workers-unite-one-struggle-one-fight-2023-los-angeles-may-day-coalition/[2] https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-labor-industry-issues-20210507-5k7z7q7vv5brjhqhzdaa774e3e-story.html[3] https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2025-05-01/thousands-take-to-streets-for-may-day-rallies-in-los-angeles[4] https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/25/opinion/us/working-class-minimum-wage.html
The city streets continued to echo with powerful calls for workers' rights and immigrant justice, as protests extended across Southern California, mirroring the events in Los Angeles.
Among the passionate voices, XinhuaNews reported that demands included a federal minimum wage increase to $20 per hour and improved working conditions, reflecting the broader anxiety around labor rights.
In the spirit of solidarity, the diverse coalition of workers and immigrant communities, as members of the Los Angeles May Day Coalition, amplified their shared message: "One Struggle, One Fight — Workers Unite!" emphasizing unity against adversity and the power of collective action.
