May 1 marks International Workers’ Day, at times referred to as May Day of Action. That comes with a demonstrations, rallies, and strikes demanding better quality of life for the working class. 

“May Day is a reminder of the power of unity, the strength of worker power, and continue to fight for fair wages, safe working conditions and respect for all workers,” said Yeon Park, East Bay Regional Vice President of SEIU 1021. “As a first-generation immigrant, it’s an opportunity to raise our voices in gratitude for the men and women who built this nation with their hands, dedication, and unwavering belief in the American dream.” 

There are plenty of ways to get involved across the Bay Area and beyond. Check out a few events to choose from:

San Francisco:

March & rally at 415 Mission St. & Union Square 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Join SEIU Local 87 and Unite Here Local 2 as they kick off their contract campaigns for Justice for Janitors and Hotel Workers! Rally starts at 415 Mission St. then march to Union Square. Get more info here.

Alameda County:

Across the Alameda Health System, SEIU 1021 is hosting rallies morning and night in several cities including Oakland, Hayward, Newark, and San Leandro.

Their elected bargaining team has been meeting with management for months and the AHS contract expires May 31 with little urgency from management.

Locations and times for the May 1 Day of Action below — RSVP here.

• Highland Hospital 4th Floor K Building – 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. & 11 p.m. – 1 a.m.
• Highland Hospital Garage Entrance – 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. & 11 p.m. – 1 a.m.
• Highland Hospital ACT – 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. & 11 p.m. – 1 a.m.
• Eastmont Clinic Break Room – 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Hayward Clinic Break room – 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Marina Clinic Break Room – 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Newark Clinic Break Room – 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• SSC Break Room – 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• John George Main Entrance 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. & 3p.m. – 4:30p.m.
• San Leandro Hospital Cafeteria 10:21 a.m. & 10:21 p.m.
• Fairmont Cafeteria: 6 a.m.- 8a.m. & 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. -  6 p.m.
• Sacramento: California State Capitol Street Mural Community Action at 10th St. and L & N Streets 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Sacramento:

“An injury to one worker is an injury to all!”  Join the Sacramento Central Labor Council for a community art build, food and music. RSVP here.

Mendocino County:

Solidarity rally at Mendocino-Lake Community College, 1000 Hensley Creed Rd. in Ukiah from noon – 1p.m.

Join faculty and part-time faculty unions as part of their contract campaigns. They will host speakers who will talk about the history of May Day, sing union songs and chants accompanied by lunch.