As part of his ongoing nationwide Fighting Oligarchy tour, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders is collaborating with labor activists to mobilize against the detrimental impact of the “Billionaire Agenda” on working families. This effort coincides with a series of mass rallies taking place on May Day, a day dedicated to celebrating labor rights.

Upcoming Rally Details

On Thursday, May 1, one of the numerous rallies will occur at Philadelphia City Hall, where Sanders will join forces with the city’s AFL-CIO chapter under the slogan “For the Workers, Not the Billionaires.” The union’s social media post announcing Sanders’ appearance stated, Bernie knows that when the working class—labor, immigrants, community members—stand together, we are a force that can defeat any bad boss… When workers fight, workers win!

Widespread Mobilization

Labor unions and advocacy groups have organized rallies in nearly 1,000 cities across all 50 states to honor the labor movement’s history and ongoing struggles. This initiative highlights the consistent demand for economic justice and equity.

During the first two months of his tour, Sanders, along with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has successfully drawn crowds in traditionally Republican areas such as Nebraska, Iowa, and Idaho. According to his office, they have addressed approximately 250,000 individuals, one-third of whom are not registered with the Democratic Party, indicating the broad appeal of their message.

Key Demands of the May Day Rallies

The May Day events are not only a call to action but also articulate several priority issues aimed at uniting working people across diverse backgrounds. Organizers are advocating for:

• Ending billionaire influence and government corruption, particularly regarding efforts by tech leaders like Elon Musk to cut federal jobs.
• Comprehensive funding for public education, healthcare, and housing.
• Protection and enhancement of crucial social programs, including Medicaid and Social Security, which face potential cutbacks.
• Halting discrimination against marginalized communities, including immigrants, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Implementing strong protections for unions, fair wages, and dignified working conditions for all employees.

Future Events in Pennsylvania

Following the May Day rally, Senator Sanders plans to hold additional events in Harrisburg and Bethlehem, both critical swing districts represented by Republican lawmakers. These engagements aim to reinforce his commitment to advocating for the rights of working families across the political spectrum.