Metro Detroit Afl-Cio

Detroit’s unions and members gathered for a re-imagining of May Day yesterday. Also known worldwide as International Workers Day, the Metro Detroit Afl-Cio was proud to host this historic gathering of workers, unions, constituency and community groups.

Working people won’t allow billionaires to divide us based on where we’re from.
This May Day, we stood together to send a message loud and clear across the country and the globe: We’re united in our resolve to fight for a better future for all workers. Our solidarity is our strength.

Working people won’t allow billionaires to divide us based on where we’re from.
This May Day, we’re standing together to send a message loud and clear across
the country and the globe: We’re united in our resolve to fight for a better future
for all workers. Our solidarity is our strength.
• As the heart of labor and the middle class, Michigan will help lead the fight
against Trump’s unprecedented assault on the working class.

Join us in Detroit on May Day to celebrate
the power of solidarity against all odds —
including those facing us today.
Our fight is to build a better world. And
when we fight, we win.

2026 Detroit May Day Rally

Detroit’s Unions have joined together with community groups to commemorate International Workers’ Day this Friday, May 1.

International Workers' Day, also known as May Day or Labor Day in many countries, is a celebration held annually on May 1 to honor the achievements and contributions of the working class. This year, unions are re-imagining this holiday here in Detroit by hosting this first-ever Detroit celebration, hosted by the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO.
Dozens of unions and their members are coming together for this rally at Roosevelt Park, in front of Michigan Central Station.
Please make plans to join together with us this Friday!

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, [email protected].

For further information about the history of May Day, please watch the video at MichiganLaborHistorySociety.com.

On May Day, Detroit’s unions and their allies will celebrate International Worker’s Day. Friday, May 1, Roosevelt Park, Detroit, 4pm.

The Metro Detroit Afl-Cio welcomes everyone to this celebration of our history!

Follow this YouTube link for a 2-minute history of this important event.

Detroit May Day 2 Minutes On Friday May First, Detroit’s workers, their unions, and their allies are going to celebrate International Workers Day-- May Day, a time to celebrate our ho...

United Way for Southeastern Michigan is spearheading a program that offers free tax preparation for workers who earned less than $69,000 in 2025. For more information, see the attached graphic, or go to:

GetTheTaxFacts.org

REMINDER: INFO PICKET TOMORROW!

https://youtu.be/bPoIne38bxk?si=vX7lDl_bbJKDOB5O

America’s Unions | The Voice of Millions of Working People Discover how America’s unions—represented by the AFL-CIO—are fighting for 12.5 million working people and their families every day. Learn about our mission, ...

CALL TO ACTION: CWA 4100 INFO PICKET!

As you may or may not know, bargaining is currently underway between the CWA and AT&T Mobility.

This may be a lengthy process. In light of this, We are having an informational picket at the Eastpointe store located at 22371 Gratiot Ave, Eastpointe, MI 48021. It will take place this Thursday, February 26th from 10am until 2pm. If any of you are off and are able to join us, please do! Also be sure to dress warm!

Unity Always,
Gerald Sommerville
President CWA Local 4100

Nominations for the Annual Metro Detroit AFL-CIO Civil Rights Hall of Fame Award are being accepted.

This prestigious award honors union members and other Organized Labor activists whose experiences, sacrifices, and achievements have improved the lives of Detroit's workers, their families, and community. The award is presented each year following the Detroit Labor Day March.

If your local union or labor constituency group has a member who deserves recognition, please consider nominating them!

Please share on your union's feed -

Call to action!