Labor groups announce Alabama Workers’ Week of Action

A coalition of Alabama labor groups and allies will partner next week to celebrate Alabama Workers’ Week of Action. The week will encompass Workers Memorial Day on April 28 and May Day, or International Workers’ Day, on May 1. Participating organizations include Alabama Arise, Jobs to Move America, the Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice and the United Campus Workers of Alabama.

“These two days, taken together, tell a powerful story,” said Adam Keller, Alabama Arise’s Worker Power Campaign director. “One reminds us of the human cost when workers are treated as disposable. The other reminds us of the strength workers have when we stand together and demand something better.”

Schedule of events

Throughout the week, numerous organizations will host virtual and in-person events. Here are some of the key events:

Monday, April 27, 6 p.m. – The Valley Labor Report will host a virtual kickoff call with speakers from Alabama Arise, Jobs to Move America, United Campus Workers and more. The call will be available for livestream at tvlr.fm/MayDay26.
Tuesday, April 28, 5:30 p.m. – Alabama Arise and League of Women Voters of Alabama will lead a workshop on Common Sense Economics for Alabama at Grace Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa.
Friday, May 1, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. – 50501 Huntsville and the North Alabama Area Labor Council will be among the hosts of an all-day event at Butler Green at Campus 805 in Huntsville. The event will feature live music, including a performance from Lee Bains, plus workshops on labor history and community organizing.
Friday, May 1, noon – 8 p.m. – United Campus Workers at Jacksonville State University will host Labor Fest at the Public Square in Jacksonville. This family-friendly, community event will feature live music, games and a bounce house.
Friday, May 1, 2:30 p.m. – May Day Strong will host a screening of “Inequality for All” at the Crescent Theater in Mobile.
Friday, May 1, 5:30 p.m. – 50501 Dothan will hold a peaceful protest outside the Houston County Courthouse in Dothan.

“The labor movement is stronger than ever in Alabama,” said Luis Robledo, coalition manager for the Southern Program at Jobs to Move America. “This week we honor the memory of fallen workers and stand in solidarity with all Alabama workers organizing for better wages, better conditions, better benefits and more respect from Huntsville to Mobile.”