On a breezy Thursday afternoon, hundreds of workers gathered in Atlanta to protest on May Day, a day emblematic of labor rights and collective action. The rally, which took place at a downtown park across from the Georgia State Capitol, attracted a diverse crowd of participants including Waffle House workers, Uber and Lyft drivers, CDC employees, and supporters of Palestinian rights, all united in their discontent with the Trump administration’s policies.
As the crowd chanted slogans such as “when we fight, we win” and “no justice, no peace,” the message was clear: frustration is mounting over issues like aggressive tariffs, immigration enforcement, and the reduction of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Among the pressing concerns highlighted was the state of app-based workers, particularly Uber and Lyft drivers who have increasingly felt the financial squeeze from corporate giants while navigating a challenging work environment. With around 2,400 positions at the CDC expected to be cut due to the Trump administration’s actions, the impact on workers resonates through varying sectors.
Uber driver Kendra Smalls expressed her dissatisfaction with the current fare distribution, stating, “I depend on Uber for my income, and at first, when I started years ago, it was easy to make money; but now, there are so many limitations and factors to making the money, and I don’t think it is fair.”
Smalls shared her concerns regarding safety as a female driver, noting, “There are so many times where people are getting carjacked and assaulted. I do what I have to do, but my safety is always a concern of mine when I’m out driving.”
The rallying group, known as Justice for App Workers (JFAW), emphasized their demands for fair pay, transparency in fare calculations, and stronger safety measures for app workers in the face of increasing violence, including carjackings and assaults while on duty.
Cathy Hooker, a childcare worker from Atlanta, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need for a living wage alongside benefits such as sick time, vacation, and medical coverage to support families. “We need all of this in order to survive and take care of our families,” she asserted.
Amaya Ward, a part-time UPS worker and member of the Teamsters, highlighted the systemic struggles faced by Black workers, drawing attention to issues of wage theft and workplace discrimination.
“Despite our progress over the years, Black workers still experience worse pay compared to their white counterparts, often being overlooked for promotions that they rightfully deserve,” she said.
Ward reinforced the importance of collective organization among workers, stating, “We can change society because we are the majority, and that means the billionaire CEOs are the minority.”
The protestors’ message resonated with the broader narrative of workers standing up against the elite, as they collectively urged the Trump administration to understand their plight. Ward cautioned against allowing distractions—such as immigration and LGBTQ+ issues—to divide the working class and emphasized the necessity of unity against corporate interests.
Wage inequalities were a focal point of the protest, with app workers denouncing the exploitation they endure under the guise of gig economy freedom. The rally served as a manifestation of workers’ discontent, pushing for increased rights, better pay structures, and protection against arbitrary deactivations that jeopardize their livelihoods.
In their fight for justice, JFAW demands improvements to labor standards, including the right to unionize and access unemployment benefits—a stark contrast to the current state of precarious employment faced by many.
They are also advocating for basic rights such as restroom access at major transport hubs and protections against exploitative practices by app companies that prioritize profits over people’s livelihoods.
As the protest concluded at the State Capitol, attendees marched towards the city hall, escalating their demand for justice amidst a backdrop of growing inequality in the workforce. The frustrations and aspirations of these workers echoed in the streets of Atlanta, signaling a renewed commitment to fighting for dignity, respect, and a fair share of the wealth they help to generate.
image source from：https://theatlantavoice.com/may-day-protest-workers-unite/
