The California Federation of Teachers’ Labor and Climate Justice Education Committee and the East Bay Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) held a screening of We Mean to Make Things Over: A History of May Day at the Oakland Community Space on Tuesday, February 10, followed by a panel featuring SEIU 1021 President Theresa Rutherford.

The half-hour documentary looks at how May Day became the workers’ holiday all over the world except in the United States, despite the fact that many of the events that inspired the holiday happened here. Using historical images and animation, the movie was an educational and entertaining journal of a long-suppressed story from American working class history. 

“May Day is about the sacrifices that workers have made to achieve some of the benefits we have, like the 8-hour work day,” said Rutherford. “I felt it was of the highest importance right now to participate in the panel discussion as we are dealing with fascism and the attacks on workers and our communities.”

Before labor rights movements, work days laster 12 hours or more, without meal breaks. Often, children had to work to support their families, who could not afford to let them go to school.

Rutherford said it’s always important to keep in mind the sacrifices made in the past by working class families here and worldwide who laid the foundation for the benefits and protections we have today—especially in a moment when the federal government is working tirelessly to strip them away.

“We must come together as one strong community of families and workers to fight together for our rights,” urged Rutherford. “Its important for us as labor to collaborate and coordinate with community allies to defend our democracy and healthcare and to make sure, as we are going through this harsh political environment which is clearly a fascist regime, that we stand up for what’s right and prevent our communities from being attacked by our own government.”

She said the film demonstrated how the labor rights movement uplifts a better quality of life for all, where humanity has the right to live in an environment free from fear and intimidation and to reach our highest ideal as human beings. 

The panel discussed the upcoming plans for May Day and how it is important to never forget that the protections working people have fought for can disappear. As we look toward 2028 and the next presidential election, it is imperative to prepare.

“We have to focus and realize that we have to protect what we have. Otherwise, we will lose it,” warned Rutherford.