May Day events planned Friday in Tacoma, Seattle, across state

The tradition of celebrating International Workers’ Day on May 1 started in 1886 after the Haymarket Massacre in Chicago, when workers and police were killed amid the struggle for an 8-hour work day. Today, workers still honor that and other labor struggles by participating in May Day events that recognize that the fight for the rights of all workers continues.

TACOMA — Members of South Sound Chapter of Jobs with Justice, 15Now Tacoma, County & City Employees Local 120, UFCW Locals 21 and 367, and SEIU Local 6 invite all to bring friends, co-workers, and family members to an International Workers’ Day March & Rally on Friday, May 1. Gather at 6 p.m. at 6th Avenue and Sprague Street for brief comments by local union and social justice leaders. The march begins at 6:20 p.m. — with the Raging Grannies leading chants — and will stop at several points along the route to hear from additional workers, community activists, and labor representatives before returning to starting point at 6th and Sprague at about 8 p.m. For more information, click here or call 253-973-8153.

SEATTLE — The annual May Day Rally and March for Worker and Immigrant Rights will be Friday, May 1 starting at 2 p.m. at Judkins Park, 2150 S. Norman. The march begins at 3 p.m. to the U.S. District Courthouse. Union members should wear their colors and bring union banners! Click here for more information.

Other communities around Washington have May Day events planned. Check you local newspapers and blogs for more information.