The first May Day was held over 100 years ago to commemorate the 1886 Haymarket affair in Chicago, where working people took to the streets with strikes and protests to fight for an eight-hour work day.
Since then, unions and activists have kept this tradition going with annual marches and demonstrations, often to raise awareness of injustice and to stand up for their fellow workers.
AUPE members are encouraged to participate in May Day events throughout the province. Bring your flags, signs, banners and buttons to show everyone your union pride!
This year, the independent May Day demonstration at the Alberta Legislature will begin at 5:30PM and will end with dinner by donation and a discussion at Select Restaurant. Here are the details:
• 5:30 – Gather at the Alberta Legislature steps
• 6:00 – Rally and March - 109 Street, Jasper Ave
• 7:00 – Dinner and discussion at Select Restaurant – 10018 106 Street. Enjoy a delicious meal of Indian food, admission by donation. There will be an open mic discussion during and after dinner.
More information about the event can be found on the May Day Edmonton Facebook page.
There is also a May Day rally and march taking place in Calgary:
• 4:30 pm - Rally at City Hall
• 5:30 pm - March to Memorial Park Library
• 6:00 pm - The Strikes of 1919 and the Significance of May Day Today Book Launch -- 1919: A Graphic History of the Winnipeg General Strike (Memorial Park Library, 1221 2 Street SW)
More information about this event can be found here.
Solidarity on this May Day!