Massive May Day Protests and General Strike Sweep Across America
Thousands of Americans protested on May 1 against Trump administration policies, with organizers calling for a boycott of work, school, and shopping. Schools in major cities like Charlotte closed, and the National Education Association mobilized its 3 million members demanding workers' rights and education funding.
The Protests
Thousands of people were preparing to turn out for May Day demonstrations across the country on Friday, with organizers calling for a boycott of work, school and shopping to protest the Trump administration's policies — and what activists describe as a billionaire takeover of government.
School Closures
In North Carolina's biggest city, Charlotte, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education issued a statement saying it had voted to call off school on May 1 due to the number of staff absences expected that day.
Organized Labor Leadership
The National Education Association — the nation's largest labor union, with 3 million members — is a key organizer of Friday's protests. NEA President Becky Pringle told NPR that the message this year is that the country should be 'focusing on workers over billionaires.'
Movement Goals
Proffitt told reporters the movement's aim is 'more investment in public schools, an end to corporate tax cuts, a restoration of our democracy, and the expansion of union rights.'
May Day events are also planned in Boston, New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Minneapolis, Seattle, Portland, Ore., Los Angeles, San Francisco and Albuquerque, among other cities.