Labor Day Protests Across the United States
This Labor Day, rallies erupted across the United States as participants rallied under the banner of ‘Workers Over Billionaires.’ One of the most significant demonstrations occurred in Chicago, where Mayor Brandon Johnson strongly criticized the Trump administration’s suggestion to deploy federal troops in response to immigration issues.
During the demonstration in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, Johnson emphatically declared, “No federal troops in the city of Chicago.” He went on to assert, “We’re going to defend our democracy … we’re going to protect the humanity of every single person in the city of Chicago.” The mayor led the attendees in chants such as “No troops in Chicago” and “Invest in Chicago,” as reported by the New York Times.
Chicago Protest and National Movement
In addition to the West Loop rally, protesters gathered outside Trump Tower, brandishing anti-Trump signs and chanting “Lock him up,” as seen in numerous social media posts.
Monday’s Chicago event was part of a larger nationwide movement, with rallies happening in various cities, including New York, Houston, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. Smaller gatherings were also reported in places like Cleveland, Ohio, and Greensboro, North Carolina.
The May Day Strong coalition coordinated Monday’s protests, alongside labor unions such as AFL-CIO, the largest union federation in the U.S., and One Fair Wage, which advocates for fair wages in the restaurant industry, among other groups.
Grassroots Organizing
Liz Shuler, president of AFL-CIO, stated, “This is about organic, grassroots organizing, and we intentionally wanted it to be outside of Washington D.C., because that’s where the impacts are being felt.”
Demonstrations Across the States
In New York, hundreds of individuals gathered across from Trump Tower in Midtown. Various protests took place throughout New York State, including one in Albany where U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand made an appearance. “It’s Labor Day [and] we want to celebrate working men and people in this community,” Gillibrand remarked. She emphasized the significance of the labor movement in building New York’s middle class, stating, “It’s time to recognize how important working people are to this community, to our country, to our great state.”
In Washington, D.C., nearly 1,000 residents participated in a protest against what they deemed Trump’s federal takeover of the city, termed the “Freedom Run.” Participants engaged in both running and walking while chanting slogans. Christie Harlan, a participant in the event, expressed her sentiments, saying, “I feel bad for the families of the national guard members who’ve been deployed here to essentially be window dressing for this administration.”
Concerns Over Federal Job Losses
Resentment over the Trump administration’s termination of federal employees, particularly those based in the D.C. area, was echoed by participant Janice Ferebee, who remarked, “Firing folks left and right, some of the damage that’s being done is going to be irreparable whenever things come back.”
In Los Angeles, thousands joined the Labor Day festivities. According to local affiliate KTLA, the rallies culminated in a community picnic featuring live entertainment.
The Bay Area in California also saw multiple demonstrations, with residents in Redwood City forming a 17-mile human chain to Santa Clara in protest.
Strike Actions
In conjunction with the nationwide protests, workers at the Hilton Americas-Houston went on strike as part of a nine-day labor action. The walkout followed unsuccessful negotiations with Unite Here Local 23, which represents over 400 employees at the hotel. The striking workers are advocating for an increase in the minimum wage from $16.50 to $23 per hour. The chapter president, Franchesca Caraballo, noted that this strike marks the first in the union’s 25-year history.
While thousands were engaged in demonstrations, former President Trump shared a Labor Day message on Truth Social, posting an image of himself with workers along with the caption: “Celebrating 250 years of THE AMERICAN WORKER. Happy Labor Day.”
