Protests underway across NYC's five boroughs for May Day
NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- Rallies are underway across New York City and around the world Friday as demonstrators mark May Day, an annual day of action focused on workers' rights, peace, and economic issues.
In New York City, events are taking place across all five boroughs, with gatherings at locations including Washington Square Park, Prospect Park, and MacDonald Park in Queens. Organizers say the demonstrations are part of a broader global effort, with actions happening in more than 1,000 cities.
The day's events began at 8:30 a.m. in Bryant Park with a march toward Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' penthouse.
As of 10:27 a.m., protesters were marching from the steps of the New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue toward 7 West 34th Street, the site of an Amazon corporate office.
Additional actions throughout the day include pickets targeting major retailers and banks, as well as community gatherings and celebrations scheduled into the evening.
The main event, a mass labor and community rally, is set for 4 p.m. at Washington Square Park, where the mayor attended. A march followed the rally.
According to organizers with May Day Strong NYC and labor groups including the New York Immigration Coalition and AFL-CIO, workers, students, immigrants, and families are taking part under the theme "Workers Over Billionaires." Demonstrators are calling for higher wages, improved working conditions, and stronger protections for workers.
This year's themes also include "Tax the Rich," "No ICE, No War," and "People Over Billionaires," reflecting broader concerns about economic inequality, immigration enforcement, and global conflict.
Organizers say the demonstrations also aim to highlight rising costs of living and broader economic inequality, while calling for expanded worker protections and democratic reforms.
May Day, also known as International Workers' Day, is observed annually on May 1 and has long been associated with labor movements and worker advocacy around the world.
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