May Day Strike

May Day Strike is a grassroots movement focused on establishing economic security, dignity, and fairness for workers of every nationality, race, and political affiliation.

We are a solidarity coalition of workers from around the world founded in 2022. Our members recognize the growing momentum of grassroots labor movements, and anticipate a great wave of action on the horizon. Our members strive to do our parts in helping workers and communities prepare for this wave of union/labor action, and are actively organizing resources for this May, and throughout the summer. We encourage a tiered action approach to organizing, with the most critical and final action being strike. This escalation plan counts on our volunteers' ability to connect workers to appropriate unions, mutual aid groups and resources as well as encourage participation in May Day actions or strikes. Examples of our national and global allies include SBWorkers United, Restaurant Workers United, Emergency Workplace Organizing Committee [a project of DSA and United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE)], RWDSU (Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union), People's Liberation Coalition and more!

May 1st will kick off a series of direct action events supporting workers everywhere who are organizing for better conditions and demanding basic human rights. These actions will include a wave of protests, economic strikes, debt strikes, and union action #UntilDemandsAreMet!

What are we asking for, exactly?

OUR DEMANDS

1. A living wage that adjusts regularly for inflation and mandatory overtime pay.
2. Paid time off for vacations, medical leave, parental leave, and bereavement.
3. Expanded legal protections for unions, including the universal right to unionize.
4. A universal, single-payer healthcare system and medical debt forgiveness.
5. Tuition-free higher education and student loan debt forgiveness.

Why May 1st?

• International Workers' Day - May 1st is International Workers' Day (Labor Day).
• Preparation - A strike lasting ten days or longer will inevitably require financial preparation for all participants. Such advance notice provides ample time to accrue savings, stockpile food, etc.
• Allowing time for changes in employer policy - For employers who are currently unaware of the need for reform, this period of 3+ months will allow time for wage and benefit adjustments. As the movement gains momentum, it is likely some employers will begin to take preemptive measures such as improving work conditions and wages.
• Time for Organization and planning - As a grassroots movement, the May Day Strike will take time to organize on an international level. Between this moment and May 1st, we will have ample time to plan and prepare the movement for what comes next.