(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – National AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler released the following statement to commemorate May Day 2026:

While the struggle of the 19th-century Working Class may feel like ancient history in our Digital Age, the economic conditions that led to the creation of May Day aren’t so far off from our current fight.

Workers at the height of the industrial revolution in America endured long hours for low pay, new technology that completely upended the previous economy, and bosses who were quick to exploit immigration status as a means to depress wages and divide their workforces.

Sound familiar?

While much has changed since the 1880s, the spirit of May Day continues to resonate with Working People because our movement is still organizing for the dignity and respect we all are owed.

Right now, Working People around the country are juggling jobs while still struggling to make ends meet.

Everything is too expensive, and even though we work harder, our wages don’t budge.

Meanwhile, billionaire CEOs continue to get richer.

Federal Workers’ jobs are under attack and the essential services we rely on are in jeopardy.

And the Trump Administration’s mass deportation agenda is trampling on Working People’s fundamental freedoms.

But we have a weapon more powerful than anything the billionaires and greedy CEOs could dream up: Our unity.

Workers built this country and we keep it running.

And today we’re coming together to celebrate our solidarity and stand together for our rights and freedoms.