Hundreds gather for International Workers' Day at Oregon State Capitol

Hundreds of people gathered around the Oregon State Capitol Wednesday afternoon to celebrate International Workers' Day, demanding action on housing, a pathway to citizenship for undocumented workers, funding for public schools, union rights for workers and a cease-fire in Palestine.

The holiday has traditionally focused on highlighting labor and workers' rights, but organizers in Salem have also called for a focus on other causes including immigrants' rights in the past.

"Let's unite and demonstrate our deep appreciation for the hardworking and dedicated individuals who keep our society moving forward," said a press release from Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste, the largest Latino union in the state.

Several streets were closed or restricted from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. around the Capitol mall for the rally.

PCUN, Mano a Mano, Latinos Unidos Siempre, Oregon Food Bank and Adelante Mujeres had resource booths at the event. There were also vendors selling handmade clothing and jewelry from Mexico and dancers with Danza Azteca performed in regalia at the event. The group will also be performing at Salem's World Beat Festival in June.

Ira Cuello Martinez, policy director for PCUN, said his political journey started at the International Workers' Day event in Salem in 2006 when thousands of immigrants like his family gathered in the city and marched around the Capitol.

"It was empowering," Martinez said.

This year's demands came together with the input of different organizations in the state, he said. He said organizers were hoping for state lawmakers and leaders to continue work on passing legislation addressing housing in the state and expanding the right to organizing to all workers.

Also part of the crowd were dozens of students who'd walked out of school on Wednesday to demonstrate support for Palestinians. Martinez said it was important for the topic to be part of their demands this year in a display of "global solidarity."

"It's about us being a community," he said.

D ianne Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her at dlugo@statesmanjournal.com or on X @DianneLu go

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Hundreds gather for International Workers' Day at Oregon State Capitol