FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Chad Cyrowski, ccyrowski@miaflcio.
Date: April 14, 2026
METRO DETROIT UNIONS TO HOST MASS MAY DAY RALLY
Thousands to Gather in Response to Attacks on Workers’ Rights
DETROIT, MI — Today, the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO, which represents over 70,000 union members across more than 120 individual union locals in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties, has announced a May Day rally on May 1st as workers face rising prices, ICE raids, and attacks on workers across the nation. Speakers will include President Daryl Newman, UAW Vice President Laura Dickerson and other labor leaders. Music will be provided by the Detroit Labor Song Singers and other artists.
“May Day serves as both a day of recognition and protest, where we come together to advocate for workers’ rights, fair wages, and safe working conditions around the world,” said Metro Detroit AFL-CIO President Daryl NEWMAN. “That’s why we’re gathering in Detroit — the beating heart of Michigan’s labor movement.”
May Day has been celebrated as an international workers’ holiday since 1886. On the first May Day in Detroit, nearly 4,000 workers went on strike, demanding a shorter workweek from rail-car companies and other employers. Since then, workers have gathered on May Day to uphold the vision of the labor movement and respond to the issues plaguing the working class.
“The first May Day in 1886 challenged the robber barons and paved the way for an eight-hour workday, shorter work week and a stronger labor movement. We will carry that torch forward this May Day as we rally against rising prices and the relentless attacks on workers,” said NEWMAN.
On May 1st, the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO May Day rally will start at 4:00 p.m. at Roosevelt Park on Michigan Avenue between 14th and 15th Streets, in front of the Michigan Central station.
Media can RSVP to Chad Cyrowski, ccyrowski@miaflcio.
For further information about the history of May Day, please watch the video at MichiganLaborHistorySociety