CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson joined a coalition of mayors from cities across the United States today to sign the Haymarket Declaration, a joint commitment to use the power of cities to defend democracy, worker's rights, and the livelihoods of residents. This declaration was signed on May Day, also known as International Workers' Day, and on the anniversary of the Haymarket Affair in Chicago.

The Declaration is a response to the current attacks on residents by the Trump administration and aims to demonstrate solidarity, resilience, and a commitment to economic justice. Mayor Johnson spoke about the importance of this joint action, stating that fundamental rights fought for by labor and civil rights movements are being tested by the federal government. He emphasized that as city leaders, they have a responsibility and authority to respond to their people's needs and stand up for democracy.

The mayors who signed this declaration collectively represent 9.5 million residents across nine cities including Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Jersey City Mayor James Solomon, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, and Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs.

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Mayor Wilson highlighted that defending rights, advancing democracy, and lowering costs are all rooted in the same principle - that government is about serving its people. She also expressed her belief that this is their moment as leaders to make a difference.

Mayor Keith Wilson spoke about how mayors are looked upon for leadership during times of crisis and emphasized that when communities stand together nothing can stand in their way.

Mayor Applyrs stated that it is an honor for her to rise up in this moment and see it as a privilege. She stressed on the importance of local governments and leaders standing firm in protecting their residents' rights and democracy.

The Haymarket Declaration commits participating mayors to take local actions such as protecting First Amendment rights including peaceful protest and organizing; advancing workers' rights and economic justice; lowering costs and defending essential services; expanding access to good-paying jobs; building safer communities through prevention and trust; defending immigrant communities; protecting voting rights and local elections; and aligning public spending with shared values.

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The mayors came together for a virtual press conference to announce the Declaration, where they spoke about the urgent role of local governments in this moment of federal overreach, deference to the interests of the ultra-wealthy, and creeping authoritarianism. The virtual press conference can be viewed online.

This declaration comes ahead of International Workers' Day, which is observed worldwide to commemorate the struggle for fair labor conditions and workers' right to organize. Across the U.S., May Day will be marked by a nationwide day of action.

May Day also marks the anniversary of the Haymarket Affair, a pivotal labor struggle that took place on May 4, 1886. A peaceful labor protest in Chicago was disrupted by a bomb, resulting in deaths, injuries, and a crackdown on labor activists who were fighting for an eight-hour workday.

The Haymarket Declaration serves as a reminder that cities have the power to defend democracy and protect their residents' rights. It is a call to action for all city leaders to stand up against injustice and work towards creating a more just society for all.

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