May Day rally fills streets of downtown Los Angeles as thousands honor International Workers' Day

Thousands of community organizations, labor unions and human rights activists filled the streets of downtown Los Angeles on Thursday, marking May Day, also referred to as International Workers' Day.

SkyCal flew over the rally, where participants could be seen with posters, union shirts and banners. The LA May Day Coalition's theme for this year's rally is "One struggle, One fight — Workers unite."

There has always been a lot of energy at these events, but this year, organizers are expecting to see even more participants. Many groups say they feel like the Trump Administration has been targeting working people and immigrants with its policies and actions.

Organizers say it's important to push back because they believe labor rights and immigrant rights are intertwined, and all workers deserve justice and protection, regardless of their immigration status.

Dozens of other rallies and marches are also taking place in cities across the country.  

What is May Day?

May Day, also known as International Workers' Day, honors labor, activists, other social justice issues and oftentimes immigrants' rights. 

The day is usually marked by rallies and marches nationwide and across the world. Some countries honor the day as a public holiday, giving workers the day off.   

Organizations and labor unions at the forefront of May Day rallies push for better pay, workplace conditions and contracts.