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May Day Organizers Call for 'A Day Without Immigrants'

Mariana Urban and Bert Johnson
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Olga Miranda spoke during a press conference in front of San Francisco City Hall on April 24, 2017. She and other members of the May 1st Coalition were announcing their participation in the upcoming May Day protest. (Bert Johnson/KQED)

Labor and immigrant advocates are planning to mark May Day on Monday with walkouts and protests opposing the Trump administration's immigration policy.

The holiday, also called International Workers' Day, has become a day for action on behalf of undocumented workers in recent years. In San Francisco, participants will march from Justin Herman Plaza to the Civic Center.

Members of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 87 and the May 1st Coalition of San Francisco held a press conference Monday announcing their planned actions.

Their coalition will lead a walkout to highlight the rights of immigrant workers, called "Un Dia Sin Inmigrantes." In a press release, they demanded "immediate comprehensive immigration reform," and called for an end to ICE raids and deportations.

Sandra, who declined to give her last name, is a member of traditional dance troupe Xiuhcoatl Danza Azteca. They performed before a press conference in front of San Francisco City Hall on April 24, 2017 that was organized by members of the May 1st Coalition, who were announcing their participation in the upcoming May Day protest.
Sandra, who declined to give her last name, is a member of traditional dance troupe Xiuhcoatl Danza Azteca. They performed before the May 1st Coalition's press conference in front of San Francisco City Hall on April 24, 2017. (Bert Johnson/KQED)

Olga Miranda, president of SEIU Local 87, invited local residents to join the demonstrations, but asked for calm.

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"We ask everybody to wear white. We want to make sure that it's a day of peace and nonviolence in our respective communities," she said.

In an interview, Miranda said she hopes immigrants will be joined by U.S. citizens who support them.

"Stand up for the people who don't have their papers in order, but that have children that are waiting to become somebody great," she said, adding that immigrants "are contributing to this country. They are not taking anybody’s jobs. In fact they are doing the jobs that nobody wants to do but everybody wants to be served on."

Sergio Estrella, a member of SEIU Local 87, held a banner during a press conference in front of San Francisco City Hall on April 24, 2017. He appeared with members of the May 1st Coalition, who were announcing their participation in the upcoming May Day protest.
Sergio Estrella, a member of SEIU Local 87, held a banner that said "Off your laptops & onto the streets" in front of San Francisco City Hall on April 24, 2017. (Bert Johnson/KQED)

Miranda also believes that the Trump administration is creating an atmosphere of hatred, and it is important for citizens to come out in solidarity. She hopes the May Day march will be an opportunity for immigrants and their families to unify: "We are trying to demonstrate that we will not be pushed into fear, and that we are standing together."

Demonstrations and work stoppages are also planned in Oakland, San Jose, Santa Rosa and Concord.

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