Workers unite across Northern California for May Day
Thousands of SEIU 1021 members rallied across Northern California last Thursday in honor of International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day. In San Francisco, supporters gathered in front of City Hall to listen to labor leaders speak on the importance of continuing to fight, especially as federal leaders with the new administration call for cuts to the critical public services residents depend on and SEIU members provide.
“We know that we have a fascist government. It’s not coming — it’s here. But guess what? We are going to fight! We are going to fight them in the streets,” said SEIU 1021 President Theresa Rutherford as she addressed the crowd. “We are going to let them know who is in charge. The people run this country.”
Her speech was met with a roar of chants and applause. People brought with them their own messages on handmade signs, also taking aim at the federal government leaders responsible for cutting public jobs and services. One read: “No tyrants, no kings, we dissent!”
The history of May Day centers around the uprising of the working class originating from the American Federation of Labor, declaring May 1 a day of protest for an eight-hour workday back in 1886. That galvanized workers across the country to protest, including a demonstration that turned violent in Chicago.
“I am here because I want to show the support…for our staff and not let this city cut anymore. They need to hire staff,” said Anissa Malady, who works with the SF Public Library.
In honor of the sacrifices of those who came before us in the labor movement and the struggles we still face today, SEIU 1021 members also came together in Sacramento in support of thousands of UPTE members who went on strike in protest of the University of California’s illegal hiring freeze. The energy in the streets was electric as they marched shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of allies all united in the fight against attacks on workers’ rights.
And in Santa Rosa, dozens of Sonoma County Office of Education employees joined the teachers’ union to fight against cuts.
In all locations there was a common thread: Despite harsh economic times, U.S. cities and counties cannot afford to deprive citizens of the vital services provided by public workers and the hard-earned rights to livable wages and safe working conditions.