Protesters across the nation rally for wages, housing and economic concerns.
PHOENIX — Thousands of rallies took place across the country Friday for International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day, including several in Arizona.
In downtown Phoenix, hundreds took to the streets demanding better conditions for workers and greater affordability for families. The event began at Margaret T. Hance Park, where organizers and protesters gathered before marching through the city.
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Together, demonstrators chanted a unified message: “Workers over billionaires.”
Participants marched past restaurants, office buildings and neighbors.
“We’re emphasizing the importance of our labor force and as the backbone of not only our democracy but also our ability to thrive,” said Hector Garcia.
Phoenix police accompanied the march, guiding participants along the route before they returned to the park to continue the demonstration.
“Looking at the US, we have all the resources provided to us. We are the wealthiest nation and we should be able to create a society that actually works and benefits the workers rather than against it,” said Dania Duran with the Party of Socialism and Liberation.
“We really want to tax the rich; we want a redistribution of wealth to the rest of the country. The top one percent should not hold all the power, should not hold all the money,” said 17-year-old Nathan Taylortaft.
Organizers also encouraged people to refrain from going to work or school and to avoid shopping at major corporations or big box stores as part of the day’s actions.
“They are taking the affordability away from the working-class people and even some of the poor people that were able to get by,” said Ruth, who lives in north Phoenix.
While the demonstration centered on workers’ rights and wages, participants also highlighted broader economic concerns facing Arizonans.
“For me its pretty much the economy. The war in Iran is causing gas prices to go up. Grocery prices are going up,” said David Carlson.
Protesters cited rising housing costs, rent prices and utility rates, as well as concerns about artificial intelligence potentially replacing jobs.
“We still see the rising of child poverty, we’re still seeing our veterans who have like fought so hard for us out on the streets, nothing to eat… And how is that when we live in such an abundantly rich society?” Duran said.
Organizers said they hoped the event would encourage people experiencing these challenges to speak out and be heard.
No counterprotests were observed. Police maintained a presence around the park and along the march route.
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