SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Across the country, Labor Day marches and rallies were held as some demonstrated against billionaires while others celebrated workers.
Here in the Bay Area, there were several events from San Francisco to the North Bay.
San Francisco Labor Day protest supports federal workers
Thousands of people took over San Francisco streets with a collective message.
The first rally happened at the Phillip Burton Federal Building consisting of members and supporters of “The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association.”
Some of the workers represented include employees of the IRS, U.S. Postal Service, and more.
They say they’re protesting against federal job cuts, threats against unions and DOGE getting involved with things like Social Security and IRS Tax returns.
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“Labor power and power of the people against a government that is not only corrupt but also seems help destroy everything good that we have created with this country. This is the least we can do. All we are doing is walk to Dolores Park but that is the least we can do,” said Andy Beetley, 1021 Union Member.
The group marched from San Francisco’s Mission Street to Dolores Park as part of a nationwide day of action; among them, Senator Scott Wiener.
“Donald Trump is trying to destroy our democracy. He is trying to destroy unions, destroy workers and empower the larger cooperation in the world and he is creating a secret police to mass deport immigrants. Immigrants who have built this country,” said Senator Scott Wiener. “When you look at how authoritarian regimes end its because people mobilize there is a mass mobilization.”
The main banners leading the crowd focused on the latest immigration operations across the country and wealth inequality.
“We are here to protect public services and to let everyone know its workers over billionaires and that these corporations need to pay their fair share of taxes,” said Sarah Perez, VP of IFPTE for SF. “We are talking about labor rights. We are talking about social rights, all rights. They are stripping public services away from the community. Immigrant rights.”
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Ten-year-old Salo marched with his family with a sign he made at home.
A message that many shared against U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement that has detained a number of undocumented immigrants across the city in recent months.
“It’s my first amendment right and I stand united with people all around me,” said Maggie Law, San Francisco resident.
The San Francisco rally was one of more than 1,000 rallies across the country.
President Donald Trump has not addressed Monday’s day of action. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie thanked city workers on X saying “your hard work is driving our comeback.”
Labor Day brings activism, protest against Trump administration in North Bay
In the North Bay, dozens of community activists were also out protesting. A march through San Rafael was targeting policies by the Trump Administration.
In the North Bay, dozens of community activists were also out protesting. A march through San Rafael was targeting policies by the Trump Administration.
“The people united will never be divided,” chanted protesters.
Dozens of community activists, were on the move through San Rafael’s Canal District.
“No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here,” chanted the group.
This Labor Day march, standing up for immigrant families and protesting ICE raids across the region by the Trump Administration.
“It’s hard times everywhere now with everything that’s going on politically, especially for immigrant families,” said Daisy Mendez from Fuerza Unida.
The group marching about two miles to downtown San Rafael for a rally, where the message was about resistance.
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“We’re turning this Labor Day into a day of protest,” one speaker said.
Labor unions joining the protest, leaders reminding everyone the power of the working class at a time when they say, corporate billionaires are playing an increased role in national politics.
“Labor Day is not just a holiday, it’s a right many fought and organized, we cannot allow billionaires and corporations to take that away,” said Iliana Madrigal, North Bay Labor Council AFL-CIO.
“The message is to fight, to resist and support one another,” said activist Valerie Hersey.
Many believe with so much at stake this Labor day holiday.
“Our freedom, our liberty, worker’s rights,” Madrigal added.
Activists say they will keep holding rallies and marches like these, in a show of protest.
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