ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Thursday, May 1, Americans across the country protested the Trump administration’s recent attempt to eliminate collective bargaining for federal workers, as part of the May Day 2025 initiative.
In Escanaba, Delta County residents gathered on the corner of Ludington Street and Lincoln Road, despite rainy weather. They carried signs about the value of unions, the Constitution, the rule of law, and due process.
“It’s International Workers Day, and we wanted to be out here to show support for our workers,” said protestor Leah Belanger. “If the President is allowed to end collective bargaining for federal workers, then there’s no guarantee the other unions will stand.”
Belanger is the founder of Delta County Unified, which is a local branch of the national Indivisible movement. She says in a place like the Upper Peninsula, protecting workers’ rights is an especially important cause.
“The whole U.P. grew up out of mining towns and logging towns,” Belanger said. “There was a huge union movement to protect the miners and the loggers who were dying, so I do believe very firmly that our unions save lives.”
Similar demonstrations were held in Marquette and Iron Mountain.
