‘No School, No Work, No Shopping’: Why Thousands Are Protesting Across US On May Day

Last Updated:May 01, 2026, 20:47 IST

Under the banner of the “May Day Strong” coalition, around 3,000 to 3,500 events are planned nationwide in the US.

Thousands across the United States are set to take part in an economic blackout on International Workers’ Day on Friday, as organisers coordinate what they call as one of the largest waves of May Day action in recent years.

Under the banner of the “May Day Strong" coalition, around 3,000 to 3,500 events are planned nationwide. Protesters are urging a coordinated shutdown of daily activity with the slogan “no school, no work, no shopping", alongside marches, walkouts, rallies and community gatherings continuing into the evening.

According to The Guardian report, early demonstrations began on the East Coast, with activity already visible in major cities. In Manhattan, Amazon workers, members of the Teamsters union and local political figures marched from the New York Public Library to Amazon offices, calling for the company to end contracts with US immigration and security agencies.

ALSO READ: ‘No Kings’ Protests Draw Millions In US, Europe Against Donald Trump’s Policies, Iran War

In Washington, DC, activists with Free DC blocked intersections while holding banners reading “WORKERS OVER BILLIONAIRES" and “HEALTHCARE NOT WARFARE".

May Day has traditionally been a focal point for labour movements, and this year’s mobilisation brings together a broad coalition of unions, migrant rights groups and left-leaning political organisations, including the Democratic Socialists of America and organisers linked to recent “No Kings" protests.

Campaigners are also linking the action to wider demands over immigration enforcement, war spending and taxation of the wealthy.

Organisers say participation is expected to more than double compared with last year. Neidi Dominguez of May Day Strong said the scale of events shows expanding public engagement in labour and social justice issues.

Leah Greenberg of Indivisible called the economic blackout as a “structure test" for the movement, aimed at building long-term collective power through disruption and non-cooperation.

“We are asking people to take a step into further exerting their power in all aspects of their lives – as workers, as students, as members of local organizing hubs," Greenberg told the outlet.

Education unions and student groups have also joined the action. Several school districts in North Carolina have granted teachers leave to attend rallies, while Chicago has officially recognised May Day as a day of civic action following pressure from educators’ unions.

News world ‘No School, No Work, No Shopping’: Why Thousands Are Protesting Across US On May Day

Read More