Chicago's May Day march unites workers and students in protest

From Union Park to Daley Plaza, Chicago's streets filled with voices calling for change. But not everyone agrees on mixing classrooms with activism.

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2026 May 2 . 8:09 PM

1 min read

The image shows a large group of people walking down a street in front of a building, some of them... — The image shows a large group of people walking down a street in front of a building, some of them holding placards and banners, while others are riding bicycles. There are also sign boards with poles, trees, and a clear blue sky in the background. The people are participating in a protest march in Washington, D.C. on January 21, 2020.

Chicago's May Day march unites workers and students in protest

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Chicago on May Day to demand stronger workers' rights and better school funding. The march The demonstration began at Union Park, where Mayor Brandon Johnson joined union leaders for a plaque installation. He later praised the labour movement, saying working people in Chicago would soon see the benefits they deserve.

Students from Chicago Public Schools (CPS) also took part, marching alongside activists. Their involvement followed a compromise between the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and CPS, permitting staff and pupils to attend the rally during the school day. Protesters called for affordable housing, smaller class sizes, and more school resources. One demonstrator, Sandy Perpieani, wore a Morton’s Salt costume to protest the presence of ICE agents in the city. Meanwhile, some parents objected, arguing that political activism should not replace classroom instruction. The march concluded at Daley Plaza, where activists continued pushing for economic justice and stronger labour protections.

The May Day protest brought together thousands in support of workers' rights and education funding. The event also sparked debate over balancing activism with school responsibilities. CPS and CTU’s agreement allowed participation, but concerns about lost instructional time remained.