Thousands of activists, union members and students mobilized across the United States on May 1, 2026, for May Day demonstrations under the 'May Day Strong' banner. Organizers urged a boycott of school, work and shopping to protest Trump administration policies and demand taxing the wealthy. Events unfolded in cities including New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago and others.
More than 3,000 events took place nationwide, doubling last year's total, as reported by organizers. The coalition included labor unions, immigration groups and the Democratic Socialists of America. In New York City, Amazon workers and Teamsters marched toward corporate offices demanding an end to ties with federal immigration enforcement. In Washington, D.C., activists blocked intersections with signs reading “WORKERS OVER BILLIONAIRES” and “HEALTHCARE NOT WARFARE.” Demonstrators chanted “The people united will never be defeated.” Neidi Dominguez, executive director of Organized Power in Numbers, said, “We’re really trying to actually start organizing people to see that the power that we collectively have to do economic disruption is really the power that we need in this moment.” Pedro Trujillo of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights added, “We’re bringing back that energy of shutting it down.” Teachers and students joined prominently. The Chicago Teachers Union approved a resolution for a “day of civic action,” with President Stacy Davis Gates stating, “This is about building a more popular united front.” In North Carolina, at least 15 to 20 school districts closed due to staff absences for rallies, including in Charlotte where the board cited expected teacher participation. The National Education Association, with 3 million members, helped organize, as NEA President Becky Pringle emphasized focusing on “workers over billionaires.” Demands extended beyond labor to abolishing ICE, opposing U.S. military actions, expanding voting access and raising taxes on high earners. The Sunrise Movement expected over 100,000 students to strike. Critics questioned the impact. Economist Peter Morici called it symbolic, noting, “It’s not a hit on the billionaires,” as spending might simply shift. North Carolina state Sen. Amy Galey opposed school closures near the end of the year, saying it would not benefit students. Organizers viewed the protests as a step toward larger actions, including potential general strikes.
