Fort Lauderdale, FL – On May 1 over a dozen people gathered in front of the U.S. Federal Building in downtown Fort Lauderdale to commemorate International Workers Day. Despite steady rain, protesters held banners reading, “May Day South Florida,” and “Money for jobs and education, not wars and occupation!” on the corner of a busy intersection.

May Day protests began in the late 1800s as part of an international mass struggle for the eight-hour day. It was revived in 2006 by the powerful immigrant rights movement. Protesters in South Florida are demanding that tax money spent on U.S. wars and occupations abroad be brought back home to fund jobs and education. May Day protesters also oppose the abuse faced by undocumented immigrant workers in a system where big corporations benefit the most.

Pamela Maldonado, a lead organizer for People’s Opposition to War, Imperialism and Racism (POWIR) explained, “It’s important to come together on May Day. POWIR speaks out against U.S. wars and supports labor and immigrants’ rights. These issues are connected because the U.S. government is the one deciding where to spend the money and what immigration reform looks like. The current immigration reform is trying to put more drones on the borders. We are strongly against this militarization as part of our anti-drone campaign. We want to see all undocumented immigrants legalized, not just a few.”

The different organizations involved came together to chant “When I say people, you say power!” As the drivers of cars, trucks and public transport passed, they honked and waved to show support.

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