May 1, dubbed May Day, is part of a worldwide strike calling for peace, higher wages and better working conditions as many workers grapple with rising energy costs and shrinking purchasing power tied to the Iran war.
In New York, the movement is what organizers say is a call to action with the message “Workers Over Billionaires.” It is encouraging people to shop local or donate to non-profits.
Events are happening Friday and Saturday in Monroe, Genesee, Livingston and Wyoming counties.
Friday:
Rochester – 5:30 p.m., Washington Square Park
Batavia – 1-3 p.m., Batavia City Center
Geneseo – 4-6 p.m., Gateway Corner Park
Saturday:
Perry – 11 a.m., Main Street
Hemlock – Noon, Rt. 15A and Rt. 20A
Geneseo – 1 p.m., Geneseo Village Park
May 1 is a public holiday in many countries to mark International Workers’ Day, or Labor Day, when workers’ unions traditionally rally around wages, pensions, inequality and broader political issues.
In the U.S., activists opposing U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies are planning marches and boycotts.