NJEA officers spoke at May Day events across the state on May 1. Globally, May 1 is known as International Workers’ Day, and is intended to commemorate the struggles and achievements of workers and the labor movement.
NJEA President Sean M. Spiller attended events in East Orange, Bloomfield, and Rahway. He spoke about the importance of labor unions in elevating the voices of working people.
“I am an immigrant who came to this country as a young boy,” Spiller said. “I am a union leader who fights for the rights of hard-working people. I am a teacher who cares about our students and creating safe spaces for them to learn and grow. And I am the dad of two young boys who deserve to grow up in a country that respects them.”
NJEA Vice President Steve Beatty spoke at a rally in Princeton. A history teacher, Beatty expressed his frustration with the direction America is currently being led and reiterated the importance of labor unions to stand strong against injustice.
“There is power with the unions, there is power in the people, and that’s why we stand here,” Beatty exclaimed. “I love my country and that’s why I’m out here, but I can’t recognize it right now.”
NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Petal Robertson spoke at the Public Schools Strong – Protect Our Schools Rally at Fountain of Freedom on Washington Road in Princeton. She called on New Jerseyans to stand together in community to combat chaos and division.
“Community is no longer optional,” Robertson said. “We have to walk through this crowd and recognize that what happens to one, happens to all. The power of the people always prevails.”
More than 16 rallies were organized across the state and thousands more took place across the country as Americans stood up and spoke out against attacks on labor rights and social justice.
Watch a video of some of the demonstration, walk-ins, and events held by NJEA and NEA.