Letter: Why my business will be closed May 1 for the general strike

April 19, 2026 - 22:50

On May 1st, my business will be silent. While the decision to close is not made lightly, it is a necessary act of solidarity and remembrance. This date marks 140 years since tens of thousands of workers gathered in Chicago to demand fundamental rights, including the revolutionary concept of an eight-hour workday.

That historic struggle, rooted in the fight for dignity, safety, and fair compensation, echoes powerfully today. The gains secured by past generations are under constant pressure, and the essential spirit of collective action remains as vital as ever. By closing, I aim to honor that legacy and acknowledge that the well-being of my employees and the broader community is the true foundation of any enterprise's success.

This day is a reminder that progress is not guaranteed; it must be defended and advanced by each generation. My closed door is a statement of support for all workers continuing to advocate for living wages, safe conditions, and respect in the workplace. It is a small but meaningful gesture to recognize that the fight for economic justice, begun over a century ago, is a shared responsibility we must all uphold.