Demonstrators march to Daley Plaza for May Day as Chicago Teachers Union and CPS students join rally for workers
Thousands of people marched from the West Loop to Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago on Friday for May Day, with activists calling for workers' rights, stronger labor protections, and increased school funding — as a compromise between the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools allowed students and staff to participate during the school day.
The march began at Union Park in the West Loop, where crowds packed the park before making their way several miles to Daley Plaza. The rally drew workers from a range of industries, with demonstrators citing concerns including immigration enforcement, healthcare, and the war in Iran.
Mayor Brandon Johnson joined union leaders earlier in the day for a May Day plaque installation in the West Loop.
"This is not just a moment to commemorate, this is a day of action," Johnson said.
He also gave a shoutout to CPS students and educators "who declared this day of civic action," and said the labor movement is in good hands.
"We are going to make sure the working people of this city have all of the benefits they deserve," Johnson said.
In the crowd, you couldn't miss Sandy Perpieani using her Morton's Salt costume to protest the presence of ICE agents in Chicago.
"Implementation of immigration policies is unjust," she said. "If everyone did what they felt they could do – write a letter, make a phone call, tell a friend, talk to someone, which is hard – we're moving the needle."
One message was clear during the rally: "everyone is a worker today."
"In this moment, I am a history teacher that negotiated a civic day of education for all of Chicago's children to understand the power of workers in solidarity," Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates said.
The Chicago Teachers Union was among the groups demonstrating, with members calling for affordable housing, smaller class sizes, more school resources, and broader economic justice.
"We're here to fight for them just as much as we are here to fight for ourselves and our young people — if they don't feel comfortable showing up, just know we are going to continue to show up for you," said Corey Lascano, a CTU member.
The union had pushed for a full day off so students and staff could participate. Instead, CTU and CPS reached a compromise. CPS left it up to individual schools to allow teachers and students to take part in the protest rally and march. The district planned to have buses available for numerous schools, but in the end, sources said only a few schools that took advantage of that, with most principals opting out of taking their students to the May Day gathering.
The agreement also states that future May Days falling during the work week will be designated as teacher-directed professional development days, according to the union. Participating schools must follow standard field trip procedures, and CPS said a full instructional day was available for all students who opted not to join Friday's protest.
The decision drew pushback from some parents, who raised concerns about political advocacy being tied to the school day, a lack of parental input in the process, and what some described as placing students in a "high-risk" situation.
The nonprofit Kids First Chicago told CBS News Chicago that parents also expressed concern over the loss of instructional time.
The school board president had also argued the arrangement disrupts learning, while supporters said it underscores the value of civic engagement.
Several Chicago Public Schools students were among those who joined the protest march.
"We're here today to fight for our freedom. We're here today to preach to the people that we want to be safe again," said Kelly College Prep student Benito Rodriguez.
Funston Elementary School teacher Irene Jackson said her students were learning by taking part in the protest.
"Why not? It's a field trip like any other. Why not this and why only the Field Museum? Why only the Shedd Aquarium? Why not this?" she said.
Caution tape surrounded her students at Union Park. Jackson said it was for safety.
"This is kind of, 'Okay this is our space.' Even though I want them to see the people, I don't necessarily want a lot of extra people running through my students," she said.
One of her students said it was important to join the rally, "because, as Americans, we have our right to express our opinions, and in this current administration that right is being suppressed."
Don Villar, secretary-treasurer of the Chicago Federation of Labor, spoke to the broader significance of the day. "The fight for justice, dignity, respect, and the blood, sweat, and tears that were shed and the justice that workers endured to sacrifice," Villar said.
Chicago has deep roots in the history of May Day, dating back to the Haymarket affair, a pivotal movement in the labor movement, a labor protest that turned violent as thousands of workers marched to demand an eight-hour workday with no loopholes or cuts in pay.
Protestors said they're proud of Chicago's historic support for the labor movement, especially now.
"I think it's important that get out and express our views," said retired teacher Keith Moens.
"For us to be a part of this, this is us standing with our communities, and that includes all of us and all of our kids," said CTU member Corey Lascano.
