The National Education Association (NEA) is advertising May Day protests and marches across Alabama, with the aim of a one-day economic boycott to oppose Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and call for taxing "the rich."
The NEA has begun advertising nationwide marches for May 1, the day of international labor recognition, and is offering "solidarity kits" to help them demand social and political change.
"On May 1, 2026, educators will join workers, parents, students and community members to rise up for dignity, justice, and public investment in our lives, not in billionaires' profit margins," the NEA site reads.
It continues, "This May Day will be a day of rallies, marches, teach-ins, labor actions, and a refusal of business as usual — because when those at the top rig the system, collective action is how we set it right."
The NEA is the most prominent teachers' union in the U.S. Its affiliate, the AEA, has been operating in the state for over 165 years and has existed in its current form since 1969.
An AEA spokesperson told 1819 News that the AEA was not participating in any of the events but did not elaborate on the reason when asked.
The Huntsville "May Day 2026: Workers Over Billionaires," which pledges to "walk in to a celebration of you, your labor and your power with live music, education sessions and community fun."
"Our Demands for May 1st - Tax the rich so our families, not their fortunes, come first," The event page reads. "No ICE. No war.. No private army serving unchecked federal power. - Expand democracy, not corporate power. Hands off our vote."
"Together we will be flexing our collective muscle in a tremendous day of power - showing our unity through a day of marches, rallies, and actions, including No Work No School No Shopping in many cities."
The Birmingham Indivisible General Meeting is touted as an event to "Spend time with like minded individuals as we organize to protect democracy."
"A core principle behind all Indivisible events is a commitment to nonviolent action," the event page reads. "We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values."
In Dadeville, a similar "May 1 Workers Over Billionaires" event, asking participants to march and carry signs.
"If you don't have time to make your own sign we always have extras or you can use the supplies provided and make a sign at the rally," The event page says. "Remember Friday May 1 is a day of economic boycott, so try to avoid any purchases on Workers' Day, May 1."
In Dothan, the May Day Strong event also includes a one-day economic boycott and protests against national economic and immigration policies.
"We will be peacefully protesting outside the Houston County Courthouse against the billionaires," the event states. "We are joining this coordinated day of action where we are demanding: -Tax the rich so our families, not their fortunes, come first. -ICE Out. No private army serving authoritarian power. -Expand democracy, not corporate power. Defend free and fair elections, not a rigged disaster."
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