OLYMPIA, Wash. — Hundreds of demonstrators filled the streets of downtown Olympia on May 3, rallying for workers’ rights, healthcare access, and immigrant protections.
The “All Labor March,” organized by local labor leaders, began at the Tivoli Fountain on the Capitol Campus and concluded at Sylvester Park.
“We want to get behind these union folks here too we depend on them here they’re bringing a lot of good job and good quality work,” said James Elsner an activist who attended the protest.
PREVIOUSLY | Thousands gather for May Day demonstrations, marches around western Washington
Activists emphasized the importance of standing in solidarity with union workers.
Heather Alnes, an educator, said, “We’re all here in support of labor, in support of employment rights and opportunities, and when we work together collaboratively, we can have a bigger effect.”
Milo, vice president of Local 443 and a public health worker, added, “We also want to be inclusive of everyone else, so immigration reform, things like that, and ensuring that there’s healthcare for all, that everyone has access to their basic needs that they deserve.”
Participants from various industries, including public health and education, carried handmade signs, chanted in unison, and listened to speakers who highlighted solidarity across labor and immigrant communities. Some attendees also voiced opposition to policies by President Donald Trump targeting immigrants, federal workers, and diversity programs.
“We actually had over 200 people laid off with 24 hours’ notice when the CDC cut our funds, and so people need to see that they can fight back,” said Milo.
Others in education echoed the same concerns.
“We’re concerned with the state of education, we’re concerned with the loss in the department of education funding for public schools,” said Alnes.
There was a police presence and road closures to accommodate the march. The march remained peaceful.
