NJ Socialist Groups Help Spearhead March In Newark For May Day

NEWARK, NJ — A coalition of community and labor groups held a march and rally to commemorate May Day last weekend in Newark.

The North Jersey and Central Jersey Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) helped to spearhead Saturday’s rally, which commemorated the holiday also known as International Workers' Day, an annual celebration that honors the ongoing struggles of workers and employees.

Gathering for a march at Military Park, activists rallied at Newark Riverfront Park for a series of speeches. Together, attendees called for the federal government to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which would change the balance for workers organizing across the country by taking aim at anti-union "right-to-work" laws, interference in union elections, and using immigration status against workers.

The event was organized by Central Jersey DSA and North Jersey DSA, and endorsed by Make the Road NJ, SEIU 32BJ, Homes for All Newark, Newark Water Coalition, NJ Alliance for Immigrant Justice, Rutgers AAUP-AFT, Newark Education Workers Caucus, and Jobs and Equal Rights for All.

“May Day is about workers and the working-class people of the world,” said Joshua Rusinov, a North Jersey DSA member. “It is a celebration of all the amazing progress that we have made, thanks to their hard work.”

“But it is also a recognition of all the work we still have ahead, and of why we all fight so hard for a world that works for everybody, not just the rich and the elite,” Rusinov added. “Hopefully our speakers, organizers, and all of our attendees can help inspire the next group of fighters, just like we have been inspired by others.”

Ayesha Mughal, co-chair of Central Jersey DSA, said the past year has been difficult for community organizers amid the coronavirus pandemic. But advocates have met the challenges by creating mutual aid networks, organizing at workplaces, coming together as tenants to fight back against predatory landlords, building ties in their communities to demand justice for immigrants, and building power in the streets by protesting police abuse.

“This is a pivotal time in our struggle for a more just society, and the work is only getting started,” Mughal said.

• Related Article: See May Day 2020 Messages Of Worker Solidarity In Essex County

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