Tomorrow is May Day, and people across Washington state will gather to celebrate the contributions of the labor movement and uplift immigrant communities.

May Day events will happen in many cities Friday, including Seattle, Yakima and Spokane.

Brenda Morgan, an executive board member with Service Employees International Union 775, otherwise known as "the caregivers' union," said all are welcome.

"This is community members coming together," she said. "This is people that want to voice their concern. This is people raising awareness of what our labor movement has done for us as workers. Don't keep quiet. Come out. Join us."

Morgan said it's thanks to the union that she and other caregivers now make a living wage, have health insurance and more job security. She added that Washington’s labor movement has a lot to celebrate tomorrow, including the passage of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights and the Millionaire's Tax.

Along with celebrating wins, Morgan said tomorrow will highlight the many contributions of immigrants in the state. She said the United States is supposed to be a place that welcomes people who are looking for a better life, but with the increased presence of immigration enforcement in Washington, many aren't feeling safe.

"I feel it’s important for our leaders to let our immigrants know, let our hardworking people know that they're not alone," she said, "know that there is someone in their corner, too."

International Workers Day, or May Day, commemorates a nationwide strike for an 8-hour work day in 1886. The first May Day led to the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, which inspired generations of labor leaders.

Source: Public News Service