This Friday, May 1, millions of Americans are expected to participate in a nationwide economic disturbance in honor of May Day. This holiday remembers the U.S. labor movement, especially the Haymarket Affair of 1886, which led to the 8-hour workday. In the modern day, May Day is a day for rallies, protests, and a continued demand for adequate working conditions.
For this year’s May Day, dozens of cities and organizations in Pennsylvania will participate in collaboration with the May Day Strong coalition.
The organization’s theme this year is “Workers over billionaires,” with calls to reject business as usual on Friday. Participants are encouraged to avoid school, work, and shopping in observance of May Day.
If abstaining from work, school, or shopping isn’t feasible, there are plenty of protests and rallies where you can show your support for May Day.
If you’re planning to take action this May Day, organizers encourage you to take the May Day online pledge.
Here are some May Day events throughout Pennsylvania.
Friday, May 1
May Day events in northwest Pennsylvania
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires Students Rise Up (Erie, 2 – 4 p.m.)
A rally for Erie High School students to protest billionaires and their effect on higher education.
3325 Cherry Street
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Erie, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.)
A rally in support of workers’ rights.
Bayfront Sidewalk
W. Bayfront Parkway
May Day events in north-central Pennsylvania
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Williamsport, 2 – 4 p.m.)
A rally outside of Republican US Rep. Dan Meuser’s office, calling for the taxation of billionaires.
330 Pine Street
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Lock Haven, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.)
A rally in Lock Haven Triangle Park.
33 Bellefonte Avenue
May Day events in northeast Pennsylvania
The National Education Association: Workers Over Billionaires (Athens, 4 – 5 p.m.)
A rally in Valley Playland public park.
100 Playland Drive
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Milford, 4 – 6 p.m.)
A demonstration in support of workers’ rights.
The corner of Broad Street and Harford Street
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Towanda, 5 – 6:30 p.m.)
A rally celebrating May Day.
301 Main Street
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Scranton, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.)
A rally in support of workers’ rights.
200 Adams Avenue
May Day events in southwest Pennsylvania
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Pittsburgh, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.)
A rally in support of workers’ rights and protesting ICE’s presence in Pennsylvania.
RSVP for the address
May Day events in southeast Pennsylvania
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Ardmore, noon – 1 p.m.)
A rally in support of workers’ rights.
The intersection of Ardmore Avenue & Lancaster Avenue
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Pottstown, noon – 2 p.m.)
A rally celebrating May Day and protesting billionaires.
Intersection of S Hanover Street & College Drive
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires Students Rise Up (Philadelphia, 2:30 – 4 p.m.)
A rally at the Temple University Bell Tower protesting the Iran War, ICE, and capitalism.
1801 N. Broad Street
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Warminster, 3 – 4 p.m.)
A rally outside the Warminster Tesla dealership.
700 York Road
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Philadelphia, 4 – 7 p.m.)
A pro-workers rally outside of Philadelphia City Hall.
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Doylestown, 5 – 7 p.m.)
A rally celebrating May Day and advocating for workers’ rights.
Corner of Court Street & Main Street
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Philadelphia, 9 – 11:45 p.m.)
A rally in support of workers’ rights.
4708 Baltimore Avenue
May Day events in south-central Pennsylvania
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Harrisburg, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
A rally calling for an end to ICE’s presence in Pennsylvania.
RSVP for the address
Indivisible: Workers Over Billionaires (Annville, noon – 1 p.m.)
A local Indivisible event in solidarity with workers’ rights.
Annville Town Square
1 E Main Street
Indivisible: May Day Event (York, 4:30 – 6 p.m.)
An event on Continental Square with local businesses and vendors to promote small businesses for May Day.
1 E Market Street
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Lancaster, 7 – 10 p.m.)
A rally outside of The Midnight Oil Community Cafe in Lancaster.
44 N Christian Street
Have an event to add? Email State Organizing Coordinator, Ava Edwards, ava@couriernewsroom.com with details (please send details at least one week before the event).
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