May Day Strong: Nationwide economic blackout aims to empower workers

Labor unions and community groups are coordinating the May Day Strong effort for a nationwide economic blackout, urging “no school, no work, no shopping.” Organizers expect 3,000+ actions across the U.S.—more than double last year—with Chicago, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis among the cities planning city‑wide shut downs. The protests seek to bolster worker power, connect labor rights to immigration and voting rights, oppose Trump‑era policies, and push broader democracy‑related aims, including opposition to ICE actions and anti‑war stances.